Governor Rell: Bill Would Strengthen

Penalties for Intoxicated Boaters in Fatal Crashes

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that her Administration has given the Legislature’s Environment Committee testimony in support of her bill to increase the penalty for boaters who cause a fatal accident while operating their vessels under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

            Senate Bill 832, An Act Concerning Boating Safety, creates the offense of “manslaughter in the 2^nd degree with a vessel” – a Class C felony – for a boater who causes the death of another while operating a vessel when intoxicated.

            Under current law, killing someone while boating under the influence is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 – far lower than the penalties typically applied for similar cases involving automobiles. Under the Governor’s proposal, second-degree manslaughter with a vessel would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

            “A boating fatality caused by an intoxicated operator is an entirely preventable tragedy,” Governor Rell said. “Current law simply does not provide justice when the existing penalty is weighed against the losses experienced by the victim, the victim’s family and the state as a whole. Our laws must be updated.”

            The Governor’s bill is also supported by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), which submitted independent testimony to the Environment Committee.

            “Along with promoting greater awareness of the dangers of ‘drinking and boating,’ NASBLA believes that the best way to reduce boating under the influence is to strengthen law enforcement capabilities on the water,” the organization said. “With that in mind, [SB 832] would go a long way in strengthening the laws in Connecticut, giving law enforcement officers more tools as they seek to make the state’s waterways a safer environment.”