Bill · S. 1423· Senate(119-S-1423)
Hammers' Law
- Introduced
- 4/10/2025
- Last activity
- 4/10/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Deb Fischer
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Hammers' Law," seeks to provide authorization for nonpecuniary damages. These damages result from actions occurring during a cruise ship voyage on the high seas. The legislation amends title 46 of the United States Code to include these provisions. It specifically targets passenger vessels that meet certain size and operational criteria.
Yes
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
The bill enhances consumer protection by allowing passengers to seek damages for loss of care, comfort, and companionship.
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+5
The bill provides a mechanism for passengers to seek legal recourse for non-economic losses, supporting due process in maritime litigation.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Cruise ship operators may face increased legal liability and potential costs due to the authorization of nonpecuniary damages.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Authorization of Nonpecuniary Damages: This provision allows for damages related to the loss of care, comfort, and companionship (Section 2(a)(2)). This could benefit individuals who suffer such losses during a cruise ship voyage.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text: The text focuses on the definitions and the authorization of damages rather than detailing burdens or negative consequences.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-3
- 4/29/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/10/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska