The bill, known as "Trenton's Law," seeks to enhance penalties and regulations concerning driving and boating offenses related to impaired substances in Florida. It amends several sections of Florida Statutes, notably s. 316.193, which now prohibits individuals from driving or controlling a vehicle while under the influence of any impairing substance, not limited to alcohol or controlled substances. The legislation introduces stricter penalties for repeat offenders, including mandatory ignition interlock devices for those with multiple convictions, and establishes that refusal to submit to breath or urine tests can lead to misdemeanor charges with escalating penalties for repeat refusals. Additionally, the bill creates a new section, s. 316.19395, allowing state attorneys to implement DUI diversion programs with specific participation requirements.

Further amendments include the expansion of the definition of substances leading to blood testing, clarifying that individuals are deemed to have consented to blood tests under reasonable suspicion of impairment. The bill also specifies that blood tests can be administered in medical facilities when other tests are impractical and introduces minimum jail sentences for individuals convicted of driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license due to DUI-related offenses. Other provisions include the classification of vehicular homicide as a first-degree felony for repeat offenders and the establishment of implied consent laws for chemical testing related to boating under the influence. Overall, the bill aims to improve public safety by imposing stricter regulations and penalties for impaired driving and boating offenses, with an effective date set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 138 Filed: 316.193, 316.1932, 316.1939, 316.656, 322.34, 327.35, 933.02
S 138 c1: 316.1932, 316.1939, 316.656, 322.34, 327.35, 933.02, 782.071
S 138 c2: 316.1939, 316.656, 322.34, 327.359, 782.071, 933.02