Florida lawmakers have approved a bill that toughens penalties for boating violations.
The bill was named "Lucy's Law" in honor of a 17-year-old girl who was killed in a boating accident in South Florida nearly three years ago.
The state Senate passed the bill this week. It had already passed in the state House and now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Under Lucy's Law, boaters who flee the scene of an accident where someone is hurt, could face felony charges, ranging from third-degree for minor injuries to first-degree if someone is killed.
Other less serious offenses would be punished with a $500 fine.
READ MORE: One dead, several injured after ferry boat crash in Clearwater, police say
This is a News In Brief report. Visit WLRN News for in-depth reporting from South Florida and Florida news.
