April 10, 2025
Mrs. Fischer (for herself, Mr. Blumenthal, and Mr. Ricketts) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
To provide authorization for nonpecuniary damages in an action resulting from a cruise ship voyage occurring on the high seas.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Hammers' Law
.
Sec. 2. Limitations in certain cases
(a) In general
Section 30307 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by striking Commercial aviation accidents
and inserting Limitations in certain cases
;
(2)
by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:
(a) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Cruise ship
The term cruise ship means a passenger vessel, other than a vessel of the United States operated by the Federal Government or a vessel owned and operated by a State, that—
(A)
is authorized to carry at least 250 passengers;
(B)
has onboard sleeping facilities for each passenger;
(C)
is on a voyage that embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States; and
(D)
is not engaged on a coastwise voyage.
(2) Nonpecuniary damages
The term nonpecuniary damages means damages for loss of care, comfort, and companionship.;
(3)
in subsection (b), by inserting or cruise ship voyage
after commercial aviation
; and
(4)
in subsection (c), by inserting or cruise ship voyage
after commercial aviation
.
(b) Clerical amendment
The table of sections for chapter 303 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 30307 and inserting the following: