Watch
General Bill by Criminal Justice Subcommittee and Kendall (CO-SPONSORS) Plakon
Transportation Offenses Involving Death: Provides enhanced penalties for DUI & BUI manslaughter & vehicular & vessel homicide if person has prior conviction for specified offenses; ranks offenses on offense severity ranking chart of Criminal Punishment Code.
Effective Date: October 1, 2025
Why I Filed This Bill(by Representative Kendall): Trenton Stewart was a bright and caring 18-year-old man. He graduated Creekside High School and was attending Stetson. On May 9, 2023, Trenton was hit by a reckless and impaired driver traveling 113 mph in a 45-mph zone westbound in Trenton’s eastbound lane. Trenton went airborne in his Trailblazer and hit a tree. He was alert and trapped for over 18 minutes. Trenton fought for his life for 83 minutes until he passed.
This was the SECOND time this perpetrator had killed someone in a vehicular homicide (VH).
The current law only allows for a VH or a DUI manslaughter (DUIM) – no matter how many times they kill someone this way – to only be punishable as a 2nd degree Felony – which carries a maximum of 15 years. This bill would allow for a second or subsequent VH/DUIM to be considered a 1st degree Felony with the maximum sentence of 30 years.
This bill addresses other enhancements and provides for diversion programs statewide for those who truly want to stop impaired driving.
This story is not unique. It is a decision to drive impaired. “Trenton’s Law” is aimed to prevent another heart-wrenching preventable death.
Last Event: Now in Judiciary Committee on Friday, March 21, 2025 5:16 PM