Hammers' Law

119 S1423 IS: Hammers' Law U.S. Senate 2025-04-10 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1423 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 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 A BILL To provide authorization for nonpecuniary damages in an action resulting from a cruise ship voyage occurring on the high seas. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Hammers' Law . 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: 30307. Limitations in certain cases. .