Reps. Vicki Lopez, Vannessa Oliver Push to Pass "Lucy's Law" After Teen Killed in Boat Crash

Speaking to the Florida House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on Thursday, Reps. Vicki Lopez (R-Miami) and Vanessa Oliver (R-Punta Gorda) asked for the passage of "Lucy's law", a bill named after 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez who tragically died after a 2022 boat crash during Labor Day Weekend on Biscayne Bay.

Vanessa Oliver filed HB 289 along with Vicki Lopez (R-Miami) in January.

"[Lucy's law] aims to increase boating safety in the State of Florida. “This bill has two main components. The first is to align the penalties and offenses for leaving the scene of a boating accident, reckless operation of a vessel and vessel homicide with the corresponding driving offenses,” Vannessa Oliver said.

“It also prohibits a person from knowingly providing false information to a vessel accident report, and finally it requires those operating a vessel who have not been a Florida resident for at least five years to obtain a boater safety card or equivalent while retaining the requirement that anyone operating a vessel born after Jan. 1, 1988, to have a boating safety card," Oliver added.

The boat's operator, George Pino, was driving a 29-foot vessel with 14 passengers on board including Lucy when it struck a channel marker near Boca Chita Key. Pino was later charged with vessel homicide in connection with the crash.

Reps. Mike Gottlieb (D-Hollywood), Webster Barnaby (R-Deland), Taylor Yarkosky (R-Clermont), and other lawmakers all expressed support for the bill.

Andy Fernandez, Lucy's father, spoke passionately to the committee for the bill's passage. He also thanked both Oliver and Lopez for their sponsorship of the bill and asked for its support.

"We are humbled and honored that this bill carries Lucy's name. I look forward to working with you along the way to make sure we establish and ensure that all boaters receive the education necessary to operate responsibly as well as establishing clear and structured consequences for non-compliance," Fernandez said.

"This is not a political issue, nor is it about limiting freedoms. This is about saving lives and Florida needs to lead by example. Our mission is clear. I want to make sure that no other family needs to stand in my shoes," Fernandez continued.

The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee passed the bill unanimously. If fully passed, HB 298 would go into effect on July 1.

Editor's Note: A committee substitute was added to include leased or rented vessels. It also ups penalties for evading the scene of a boating accident - ranging from a misdemeanor for property damage to a felony for accidents causing death, including unborn children.