The bill titled "Lucy's Law" aims to enhance boating safety regulations in Florida by amending several sections of the Florida Statutes. Key provisions include a revised definition of "livery vessel," the introduction of penalties for vessel collisions and accidents based on injury severity, and a new section that prohibits knowingly providing false information in boating reports, which carries a misdemeanor penalty. The bill also mandates minimum prison terms for those convicted of boating under the influence manslaughter and requires the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to adopt rules for online boating safety education courses. Additionally, it updates the definition of "unborn child" and revises penalties for reckless vessel operation, ensuring that individuals convicted of certain noncriminal infractions pay fines directed to the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund.

Furthermore, the bill introduces significant changes to the classification of various criminal offenses, particularly enhancing penalties for serious crimes. It includes new provisions for "vessel BUI manslaughter" and "committing vessel homicide and failing to render aid," while deleting previous references related to vessel homicide. The legislation also increases penalties for crimes against vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and children, and emphasizes compliance with reporting requirements for sexual offenders. Overall, the bill reflects a comprehensive approach to criminal justice reform in Florida, focusing on deterrence through enhanced penalties and clearer definitions of criminal behavior, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 289 Filed: 327.02, 327.30, 327.33, 327.353, 327.395, 327.54, 782.072
H 289 c1: 327.02, 327.30, 327.395, 327.54, 782.072
H 289 c2: 327.02, 327.30, 327.33, 327.395, 327.54, 327.731, 327.73, 782.072
H 289 c3: 327.02, 327.30, 327.33, 327.35, 327.395, 327.54, 327.731, 327.73, 782.072
H 289 e1: 327.02, 327.30, 327.33, 327.35, 327.395, 327.54, 327.731, 327.73, 782.072
H 289 er: 327.02, 327.30, 327.33, 327.35, 327.395, 327.54, 327.731, 327.73, 782.072