Re-post from elsewhere:

Just to note that it still has not passed the House (at lest as of two days ago as that is the delay in posting to the legislature web site.)

http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/HB0461.htm

Enforcing any traffic law in this state is a huge problem, The general consensus is this bill will help after a crash.but I have my doubts as this years bill adds two exceptions to the 3' safe passing distance:

(I) THE BICYCLE, EPAMD, OR MOTOR SCOOTER RIDER FAILS TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IN CONFORMANCE WITH § 21–1205(A) OF THIS SUBTITLE (“RIDING TO RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY”) OR § 21–1205.1(B) OF THIS SUBTITLE (“ROADWAY WITH BIKE LANE OR SHOULDER PAVED TO SMOOTH SURFACE”); OR
(II) A PASSING CLEARANCE OF LESS THAN 3 FEET IS CAUSED SOLELY BY THE BICYCLE, EPAMD, OR MOTOR SCOOTER RIDER 10 FAILING TO MAINTAIN A STEADY COURSE.

In other words "but the cyclist swerved" would be a codified legal excuse as would be "but the cyclists was not riding as far right as possible."