The Maryland House of Delegates is currently evaluating a piece of legislation known as Zoey’s Law. This law aims to impose felony charges and stronger consequences for drivers involved in accidents similar to the tragic incident that took the life of 3-year-old Zoey Harrison in 2025.
During a session in Annapolis on Wednesday, Gina Pryor prepared herself to speak before the Judiciary Committee of the Maryland House of Delegates.
Vice Chair Debra Davis noticed the emotional struggle Pryor was facing and inquired, “Are you ready to continue? Would you like to take a moment?”
Pryor, her voice trembling, expressed her gratitude to Davis and began her heartfelt testimony: “I stand here to advocate for my granddaughter, the late Zoey Rose Marie Harrison.”
Pryor’s purpose was to persuade lawmakers to support “Zoey’s Law.” This legislation is named after her granddaughter and aims to prevent other children from becoming victims and spare other families from experiencing the profound grief that her family has endured,” Pryor stated.
The tragic incident that claimed Zoey’s life occurred when she and her mother were struck by a vehicle involved in a high-speed chase by law enforcement.
The crash that resulted in Zoey’s death on March 7, 2025, was one of three fatal accidents in Prince George’s County, all linked to drivers fleeing from police. These incidents unfolded within a mere 30-day period.
Alongside Pryor, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy also offered her support at the hearing.
“Zoey was a beautiful child,” Braveboy reflected emotionally. “She should be playing and laughing with her friends and family. It is hard to believe that just last March, almost exactly one year ago today, her life was taken,” she remarked.
Maryland State Del. Nicole Williams, one of the lawmakers backing the bill, indicated that it proposes felony charges and enhanced penalties for drivers involved in accidents similar to Zoey’s, which could include up to 10 years in prison, fines reaching $5,000, or both.
“Zoey Harrison deserves more than just a minor traffic citation,” expressed Williams.
The bill has also been cross-filed with a corresponding Senate bill that was presented to the Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee.
Additionally, a law in Prince George’s County, which also honors Zoey’s name, was enacted in November. This legislation mandates that police agencies in the county record and report the details of all police chases to the county council on an annual basis.
