Legislation inspired by the tragic loss at sea of two Tequesta teenagers last summer cleared the Florida House Wednesday on a 115-0 vote.
The measure by Rep. MaryLynn Magar, R-Tequesta, is aimed at encouraging boaters to buy an emergency position indicator radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon for their watercraft.
“It will save lives, heartbreak and anguish,” Magar told the House.
Speaking on the floor, she also thanked the missing teenagers whose lives prompted the effort to improve boater safety. A similar bill by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, is awaiting final action in the Florida Senate. The measures (HB 427, SB 746) have been portrayed as a legacy for the 14-year-old friends. The two were lost after leaving Jupiter Inlet on July 24 in their 19-foot SeaCraft boat.
Blu Stephanos, Austin’s father, came to Tallahassee in November to help Magar and Negron unveil the legislation. At the time, Stephanos said, “I want to protect everyone from having to go through what I’m going through.”
The legislation would give a discount on state vessel registration fees to boaters who register an EPIRB or personal locator with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The fees vary by boat size, as would the discounts.
Read the full Palm Beach Post article here: House Oks Boater Safety Bill Motivated by Tequesta Teens Lost at Sea
