The bill focuses on improving water quality in Florida by addressing the prevalence and effects of lead in drinking water, particularly in public facilities that receive state funding. It mandates the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to conduct a comprehensive study on lead exposure, including the amount of lead piping in these facilities, its health impacts, and the financial implications for the state. The study must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2026, and is set to be repealed on June 30, 2026, unless reenacted. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to prioritize water quality improvement projects in special flood hazard areas and outlines specific actions for various state departments to combat harmful algal blooms and improve water quality in Lake Okeechobee and the Upper St. Johns River Basin.

Key provisions include the requirement for the Department of Health to develop training programs for healthcare professionals regarding harmful algal blooms, and for water management districts to create a comprehensive plan to mitigate blue-green algal blooms by July 1, 2027. The bill also emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and reevaluation of best management practices and total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for water bodies, ensuring that these measures are effective in reducing nutrient loading and improving overall water quality.

Statutes affected:
S 1646 Filed: 403.0673