The "Safe Waterways Act" mandates the Department of Health to report on bacteriological sampling of beach waters and public bathing places by July 1, 2025, and requires the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection to recommend a transfer of sampling responsibilities by December 31, 2025. An interagency agreement is to be established by June 30, 2026, to facilitate this transition, which will take effect on July 1, 2026. The bill specifies that the Department of Environmental Protection will take over the responsibility for adopting and enforcing rules related to bacteriological sampling, and it emphasizes the need for immediate health advisories and closures of affected areas when necessary.

To enhance public health and safety, the bill requires health advisory signs to be displayed at beach access points and around contaminated waters, with municipalities and counties responsible for maintaining these signs. It also establishes a public statewide interagency database for monitoring fecal indicator bacteria data, with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Health coordinating data sharing and publication. Additionally, the bill modifies the advisory committee overseeing beach water sampling, transferring its oversight from the Department of Health to the Department of Environmental Protection and adjusting its membership and leadership structure.

Statutes affected:
H 73 Filed: 514.021, 514.023, 514.0231