S.B. No. 410 amends the management and operation of the Gulf Coast Protection District by making several key changes to the Special District Local Laws Code. The bill stipulates that the governor will appoint a presiding officer from among the directors, who can serve for a maximum of two consecutive terms. Additionally, it introduces a new requirement that any project implemented by the district must not compromise navigation safety or two-way vessel traffic, ensuring compliance with existing transportation regulations.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the process for imposing ad valorem taxes and issuing bonds. It establishes that the district must hold an election to obtain voter approval before imposing an ad valorem tax or issuing bonds, with a new threshold for approval set at 67 percent. The board is allowed to impose a tax rate not exceeding 5 cents per $100 valuation, and it can issue bonds secured by revenue other than ad valorem taxes without an election. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0201, Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0301, Special District Local Laws Code 9502.0302 (Special District Local Laws Code 9502)