This bill amends existing law to allow counties to establish county-wide communications districts, expanding the definition of a "District" to include one county in addition to two or more municipalities. The bill modifies the definition of a "Member" to include counties that choose to form or join a communications district. Additionally, it allows the governing bodies of municipalities within these county-wide districts to create a communications district planning committee, which can consist of representatives from the county as well as municipalities.

The bill also introduces provisions for the planning committee, including the ability for municipalities to exclude themselves from the committee initially but join later if desired. It mandates that if the committee finds the formation of a district desirable, it must prepare a proposed district agreement and hold public information sessions in each municipality involved. Notices for these hearings must be published in local newspapers, posted on municipal and county websites, and made available in public places. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 53-G:1, 53-G:2