Governor signs drunken boating law

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Governor signs drunken boating law
By ConnPolitics.tv Staff, on Jun 27, 2009

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – A Connecticut law that takes effect Wednesday imposes tougher penalties, including longer prison sentences, for boaters convicted of killing someone while operating a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed the bill Friday.

She proposed the legislation after a runaway powerboat slammed into a sailboat on the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook in 2007, killing a South Windsor woman. Police say the powerboat operator was intoxicated.

A friend of the dead woman contacted Rell about toughening state penalties.

Under the new law, operating a powerboat while drunk and causing a death will be a Class C felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison term of up to 10 years.

ehertzfeld · Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 10:49 pm Post subject:

Not strict enough, but it's a start.

ctjeepinguy · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 7:51 pm Post subject:

I've seen many accedents on the CT river and elsewhere and most were caused by drinking. Another big reason is stupidity and lack of education about safe and proper boating. D.E.P needs to stop the 8 hour boating courses and stick with the 8-10 week courses. I've taken several and also the PWC courses.