HB 1275 Summary

• Expands penalties for vessel operators who leave accident scenes without providing aid, with felony charges escalating from third degree (injury) to second degree (serious bodily injury) to first degree (death), with mandatory 4-year minimum prison term if operator was under the influence

• Adds new crime of reckless or careless vessel operation causing serious bodily injury as a third-degree felony, punishable under sections 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084

• Extends boating under the influence (BUI) manslaughter penalties to include death of an unborn child, with mandatory 4-year minimum imprisonment sentence for conviction

• Amends vessel homicide statute to include unborn child deaths and clarifies penalties as second-degree felony, or first-degree felony if operator knew of accident and failed to provide required aid

• Effective July 1, 2021