HB 759 - Florida Unborn Victims of Violence Act

• Creates separate criminal offense when any violation of Florida Criminal Code causes death or bodily injury to an unborn child, with same punishment as if injury occurred to the mother

• Defines "unborn child" as a member of the species homo sapiens at any stage of development carried in the womb; does not require proof defendant knew victim was pregnant or intended to harm the unborn child

• Prohibits death penalty for unborn child offenses and exempts prosecutions related to lawful abortions, medical treatment, or the pregnant woman herself

• Standardizes terminology throughout Florida statutes by replacing "unborn quick child" and "viable fetus" with "unborn child" in provisions relating to DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, employment background screening, and criminal punishment severity rankings

• Takes effect October 1, 2013