The bill titled "Lucy's Law" seeks to improve boating safety regulations in Florida by amending various 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 providing false information in boating reports, which is classified as a misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill mandates minimum prison terms for those convicted of boating under the influence manslaughter and requires the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to implement rules for online boating safety education courses. The bill also updates the definition of "unborn child" and revises penalties for reckless vessel operation, ensuring that fines for certain noncriminal infractions are directed to the Marine Resources Conservation Trust Fund.

Furthermore, the bill CS/CS/CS/HB 289 introduces significant changes to Florida's criminal statutes, particularly regarding the classification and penalties for various offenses. It includes new provisions for serious offenses, such as a second-degree felony for "vessel BUI manslaughter" and reclassifications for human trafficking and drug trafficking offenses, which now carry harsher penalties. The bill also deletes outdated language from existing statutes, enhancing the legal framework surrounding crimes like sexual offenses and fraud. Overall, the intent of the bill is to strengthen legal consequences for serious crimes, improve public safety, and deter criminal activity in Florida, with an effective date set for 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