On April 8, 2025, the Florida Legislature's Committee on Fiscal Policy convened to discuss a significant piece of legislation known as Lucy's Law, aimed at enhancing boating safety across the state. This bill seeks to establish stricter penalties for leaving the scene of a vessel accident and for reckless operation of boats, aligning Florida's boating laws more closely with those governing motor vehicles. The intent is to increase accountability and safety on the state's waterways, which have seen a troubling number of accidents.

The meeting featured poignant testimony from Melissa and Andy Fernandez, the parents of Lucy, a 17-year-old girl who tragically lost her life in a boating accident in 2022. They recounted the harrowing details of the incident, where a vessel carrying numerous teenagers crashed at high speed, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. The couple expressed their frustration with the lack of accountability in the aftermath of the accident, highlighting how the operator of the vessel, despite admitting to drinking, faced minimal consequences.

Melissa Fernandez emphasized that Lucy's Law is not just a response to their personal tragedy but a necessary step to address a broader issue of boating safety in Florida. She urged lawmakers to recognize the importance of this legislation, stating that it represents a chance to prevent future accidents and protect families who enjoy Florida's waterways. The Fernandezes called for action, hoping that their advocacy would lead to meaningful change in boating regulations.

During the meeting, Senator Martin, who sponsored the bill, indicated that he was still working on amendments with stakeholders but withdrew two proposed changes for further consideration. The committee heard additional supportive comments from other attendees, reinforcing the call for legislative action to improve boating safety.

As the discussion concluded, the urgency for passing Lucy's Law was clear. The committee's deliberations underscored the need for enhanced safety measures and accountability in Florida's boating laws, with the hope that this legislation could serve as a turning point in preventing future tragedies on the water. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential voting on the bill, as advocates continue to push for its passage in the Senate.