Road to Law: BUI Bill HB1883 SB1865
Scroll down for a link to the committee currently up for review of this bill so you can contact them to ask for their vote in favor of the bill.
Why do we need this BUI bill?
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) offenses are just as dangerous and deadly as DUI offenses. Yet , by current Tennessee law, they are not treated equally. HB1883/ SB1865 would include BUI with the DUI code ensuring that they are! Not only does BUI risk lives on Tennessee waterways, but impaired boaters become impaired drivers when they hit the boat dock, load up, and head home, endangering Tennesseans on our roadways as well. It is unsafe to operate ANY motor vehicle when you are impaired. BUI and DUI are essentially the same offense and should be treated as such.
Just ask Mandy Larson, whose son, Nick Willhoit was killed in a BUI crash in West Tennessee – vehicular homicide from a boat crash is no different than vehicular homicide from a car crash. The results are the same. Jackie David and Alex Otte also know, firsthand, how serious BUI offenses are. They were both seriously injured in crashes on the water. Jackie had to have a spinal fusion surgery on her back and have 2 rods and 12 screws and bolts inserted. Alex was 13 when she was hit ten years ago. The crash shattered her jaw, broke her neck and collarbone, shattered both femurs, and lacerated her liver. She also suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (akin to Shaken Baby Syndrome) and was in a coma for 4 days. The prognosis didn’t look good. But, she survived. However, when she woke up, she found that she had lost her right leg.
What can I do to help the BUI bill become a law?
But for this bill to become law, we will need your support! On the road to becoming a law, there are several committees through which the bill must pass before it is even eligible to go before the full House and/or Senate to be voted into law. Please bookmark this page and follow us on our @MADDTennessee Facebook page for updates about the progress of the bill and who we need you to contact to let your voice be heard. YOU can help make this law a reality by emailing committee members and your own legislators telling them that you want them to vote in favor of this bill! Keep reading for instructions on who to contact, when, and even ideas of what to say.
Where is this bill currently in the process?
Below this road map which shows how far along we are in the process, you’ll find a link to the committee currently up for review of the bill.
Who do I contact to ask them to vote in favor of this bill and when?
Under “Committee Member Links” below you can see which committee is currently reviewing the bill. Look for our note that says “PLEASE EMAIL THIS COMMITTEE NOW.” Then click the link to get the list of committee members and email each member to ask for their support.
Committee Member Links
Senate Judiciary Committee members list – To be reviewed 3/17/20 – PLEASE EMAIL THIS COMMITTEE NOW.
Senate Energy, Agriculture., and Natural Resources Committee – Passed in this committee 3/4/20
House Finance Ways & Means Subcommittee members list – postponed for review in this committee, new date TBD. PLEASE EMAIL THIS COMMITTEE NOW.
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Full Committee – Passed in this committee 2/18/20
House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee – Passed in this committee 2/11/20
What should I say when asking legislators to vote in favor of this bill?
Not sure what to say exactly? We have a sample of text below that you can copy and paste to use in your email if you’d like. Use it as it is, or adjust the wording as needed to personalize it and let the legislator know why this bill means something to you, and why you’d like to see it become law in Tennessee. Just be sure you include bill number, HB1883 (Carr)/SB1865 (Massey), in your email.
Sample Email Text
Dear Sir or Madame,
I am writing to ask you to support HB1883 (Carr)/SB1865 (Massey) regarding BUI law. I believe Boating Under the Influence (BUI) offenses are just as dangerous and deadly as DUI offenses and that they should be treated equally with the same penalties and consequences. I believe that BUI should be included with the DUI code ensuring that they are, and that BUI and DUI offenses would be interchangeable in the eyes of the court where sentencing is concerned. Not only does BUI risk lives on Tennessee waterways, but impaired boaters become impaired drivers who also endanger Tennesseans on our roadways as well. It is unsafe to operate ANY motor vehicle when impaired. BUI and DUI are essentially the same offense and should be treated as such. I hope I can count on your vote in favor of passing this legislation so that it becomes law.
Sincerely,