The "Safe Waterways Act" mandates the Department of Health to report on bacteriological sampling of beach waters and public bathing places to the Governor and Legislature by July 1, 2025. It requires both the Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection to provide recommendations for transferring responsibilities related to bacteriological sampling by December 31, 2025, with a timeline for an interagency agreement to be established by June 30, 2026. The transfer of duties from the Department of Health to the Department of Environmental Protection is set to occur by July 1, 2026, ensuring that affected employees retain their accrued leave balances.

The bill also amends existing statutes to clarify that the Department of Environmental Protection must adopt and enforce rules regarding bacteriological sampling, changing the language from "may" to "must" for issuing health advisories and closures of contaminated areas. It establishes requirements for municipalities and counties to notify the Department of any water quality incidents and mandates health advisory signage at beach access points until testing confirms compliance with state water quality standards. Additionally, a public statewide interagency database for reporting fecal indicator bacteria data will be created, and the advisory committee overseeing sampling will be restructured to include representatives from both departments. These changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

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