Signed by Governor Rick Scott

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes penalties for killing or injuring a fetus, effective October 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from engaging in conduct that results in the injury or death of a fetus at any stage of fetal development (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that prosecution for conduct resulting in the injury or death of a fetus does not need proof of the following (Sec. 2):
• The individual had knowledge or should have had knowledge that the victim of the offense was pregnant; or
• The individual intended to cause the injury or death of a fetus.

• Exempts the following individuals from prosecution for conduct resulting in the injury or death of a fetus (Sec. 2):
• An individual whose conduct relates to a lawful abortion;
• An individual providing medical treatment to a pregnant woman or a fetus; or
• A pregnant woman in respect to her fetus.

• Classifies a violation of the provisions of this bill as the same as punishment for conduct resulting in the injury or death of a pregnant woman (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits punishment by the death penalty for conduct resulting in the injury or death of a fetus (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes penalties for killing or injuring a fetus, effective October 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Prohibits an individual from engaging in conduct that results in the injury or death of a fetus at any stage of fetal development (Sec. 2).

• Specifies that prosecution for conduct resulting in the injury or death of a fetus does not need proof of the following (Sec. 2):
• The individual had knowledge or should have had knowledge that the victim of the offense was pregnant; or
• The individual intended to cause the injury or death of a fetus.

• Exempts the following individuals from prosecution for conduct resulting in the injury or death of a fetus (Sec. 2):
• An individual whose conduct relates to a lawful abortion;
• An individual providing medical treatment to a pregnant woman or a fetus; or
• A pregnant woman in respect to her fetus.

• Classifies a violation of the provisions of this bill as the same as punishment for conduct resulting in the injury or death of a pregnant woman (Sec. 2).

• Prohibits punishment by the death penalty for conduct resulting in the injury or death of a fetus (Sec. 2).

• Rep. Danish voted “Nay” after the roll call.

Full Bill Text