CS/HB 59 - Florida Unborn Victims of Violence Act

• Establishes criminal liability for causing death or bodily injury to an unborn child as a separate offense, with penalties matching those for injury to the mother, except death penalty is prohibited.

• Eliminates requirement to prove the defendant knew the victim was pregnant or intended to harm the unborn child.

• Defines "unborn child" as a member of the human species at any stage of development carried in the womb.

• Applies to driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, and killing of an unborn child by injury to the mother, with exceptions for abortions and medical treatment.

• Effective date: October 1, 2014.