HB 6323 Summary

• Extends fleeing and eluding laws to vessel operators, making it illegal for operators of boats or watercraft to fail to obey police or conservation officer signals to stop, matching existing requirements for motor vehicle drivers.

• Establishes four degrees of fleeing and eluding charges with escalating penalties: fourth-degree (up to 2 years/$2,000), third-degree (up to 5 years/$5,000), second-degree (up to 10 years/$10,000), and first-degree (up to 15 years/$15,000).

• Triggers enhanced penalties for third-degree and higher charges based on aggravating factors including collisions, violations in low-speed zones or restricted water areas, or prior fleeing convictions.

• Imposes license suspension (up to 5 years) for fourth and third-degree convictions and license revocation (minimum 5 years) for second and first-degree convictions.

• Requires officer to be in uniform and vehicle or vessel to be clearly identified as official police or Department of Natural Resources for the statute to apply.