SB 1784 — Military Installations
by Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee; and Senator Brandes
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee (MS)
The bill amends the purpose and functions of the Military Base Protection Program (MBPP), within the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). The bill provides legislative findings related to encroachment of military installations, redefines the functions of the MBPP, and provides funding authority for the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund (Board) to acquire non-conservation lands to buffer a military base against encroachment.
The bill redefines the functions of the MBPP to include:
- Securing non-conservation lands to serve as a buffer to protect military installations against encroachment; and
- Supporting local community efforts to engage in service partnerships with military installations.
The bill revises the current funding appropriation purposes of the MBPP to include encroachment reduction or prevention. The bill authorizes the DEO to submit an annual list to the Board to acquire non-conservation lands, and directs the Board to consider the recommendations of the Florida Defense Support Task Force in making determinations to acquire non-conservation lands. The bill authorizes the Board to acquire non-conservation lands from the list submitted by the DEO for buffering a military base against encroachment, subject to a specific appropriation. As it relates to the provisions outlined in the bill, the term “non-conservation lands” is defined as lands that are not subject to acquisition by the Florida Forever Program.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2013.
Vote: Senate 38-0; House 119-0