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Florida lawmakers are sending a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk to streamline Florida’s reporting processes after public water contamination.
The bill (HB 165), titled the “Safe Waterways Act,” will create a statewide Department of Health system to send warnings and issue beach, canal and pool closures within 24 hours of a safety issue.
It passed unanimously in both legislative chambers.
“This bill will prevent unnecessary human illness and potentially even death,” said Boynton Beach Democrat Lori Berman, the bill’s Senate sponsor.
Highland Beach Republican Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman and St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross carried HB 165 in the House.
– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics