Politics & Government

Gov. Quinn Signs Boating Safety Law Inspired by Boy's Death

Legislation was introduced by State Sen. Julie Morrison, of Deerfield, after her nephew, Tony Borcia, of Libertyville, was struck and killed by an intoxicated boater on the Chain O' Lakes last summer.

Intoxicated boaters will now be subject to the same drug and alcohol testing requirements as motorists.

Senate Bill 1479, just signed into law by Gov, Pat Quinn, goes into effect Jan. 1, 2014.

The bill was inspired by the death of 10-year-old Libertyville boy Tony Borcia, who was tubing on Petite Lake in Lake Villa on July 28, 2012, when he was struck and killed by boater David Hatyina, of Bartlett, who was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol, reported Patch. Hatyina was sentenced to 10 years in prison last month.

Borcia was the nephew of State Rep. Julie Morrison (D-29th, Deerfield), who introduced the legislation with State Rep. Scott Drury (D-58th, Highwood). The legislation received unanimous support in the House and Senate, and was signed into law Sunday.Borcia's family attended the signing, according to  story in the Daily Herald.

The law requires motor boat operators to submit to drug and alcohol testing if they are involved in an accident resulting in injury or death. Boaters who refuse to comply with testing, register a blood alcohol content over .08 or test positive for drugs, will face suspension of their driver’s licenses and boating privileges, according to a press release from Drury's office. Operators of sailboats and other non-powered watercraft will also face suspension of boating privileges if they test positive for drugs or alcohol.

"Drunk and intoxicated boaters have stolen our lakes from local families, at times resulting in senseless and preventable tragedies," said Drury. "This new law will make our communities safer by sending a strong message that the culture of irresponsible boating behavior will no longer be tolerated in Illinois."

"The accident that claimed Tony Borcia’s life and caused unimaginable pain for his family is a tragedy," Drury continued. "For state law to continue to suggest that being intoxicated and getting behind the wheel of a boat is any less dangerous than getting behind the wheel of a car is unconscionable. We need to keep our children and families safe, and this law does that."

The Borcia family has established a foundation to educate people about the dangers of operating a boat while intoxicated, called the Y-NOT Project (Tony spelled backward). The foundation plans to host a whiffle ball tournament fundraiser on Aug. 11. Learn more at www.ynotproject.com.

Tell Us: Do you agree with this new law? Share your thoughts in the comments.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here