Texting Ban, Water Standard Bills Sent To Scott For Signature

May 22, 2013

The Legislature dropped 14 bills on the governor’s desk Tuesday, including a texting-while-driving ban and a measure about water-quality standards across Florida. The bulk bill delivery from legislative leaders came a day after they sent 34 others to Gov. Rick Scott.

Scott, who is in Chile through Thursday on an economic trade mission, has until June 5 to make decisions about the 14 bills.

According to an executive office email, the texting bill-signing may be held May 28 in Miami, A representative for Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, the sponsor of the bill, said Monday that discussions continue on the signing date. The bill makes it illegal to read or type texts or emails while driving, though it would remain legal to do so while stopped, such as at a red light.

Another executive office email suggests a signing event could be held for the water standards May 28 in West Palm Beach. The water-quality measure directs the Department of Environmental Protection to set new nitrogen and phosphorus levels for almost every body of water in Florida.

The proposal was crafted to meet the requirements of agreements reached between the DEP and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that allow the state agency to establish what are known as “numeric nutrient” standards.

by The News Service of Florida

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News