HOUSE AMENDMENT
Bill No. HB 1459
   
1 CHAMBER ACTION
2
Senate House
3 .
4 .
5 .
6         
7         
8         
9         
10         
11         
12          Representatives Attkisson and Russell offered the following:
13         
14          Amendment (with title amendment)
15          Remove lines 1175 and 176, and insert:
16          Section 29. Paragraph (g) of subsection (7) of section
17    163.01, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
18          163.01 Florida Interlocal Cooperation Act of 1969.--
19          (7)
20          (g)1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
21    section, any separate legal entity created under this section,
22    the membership of which is limited to municipalities and
23    counties of the state, may acquire, own, construct, improve,
24    operate, and manage public facilities, or finance facilities on
25    behalf of any person, relating to a governmental function or
26    purpose, including, but not limited to, wastewater facilities,
27    water or alternative water supply facilities, and water reuse
28    facilities, which may serve populations within or outside of the
29    members of the entity. Notwithstanding s. 367.171(7), any
30    separate legal entity created under this paragraph is not
31    subject to Public Service Commission jurisdiction, except when a
32    host government specifically requests binding arbitration
33    services through the commission under subparagraphs 4. and 5.
34    and as is otherwise provided for in general law. The separate
35    legal entityandmay not provide utility services within the
36    service area of an existing utility system unless it has
37    received the consent of the utility.
38          2. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "utility"
39    means a water or wastewater utility and includes every person,
40    separate legal entity, lessee, trustee, or receiver owning,
41    operating, managing, or controlling a system, or proposing
42    construction of a system, who is providing, or proposes to
43    provide, water or wastewater service to the public for
44    compensation. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "system"
45    means each separate water or wastewater facility providing
46    service. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "host
47    government" means either the governing body of the county, if
48    the largest number of equivalent residential connections
49    currently served by a system of the utility is located in the
50    unincorporated area, or the governing body of a municipality, if
51    the largest number of equivalent residential connections
52    currently served by a system of the utility is located within
53    that municipality's boundaries. For purposes of this paragraph,
54    the term "separate legal entity" may mean any entity created by
55    interlocal agreement the membership of which is limited to two
56    or more municipalities or counties of the state, but which
57    entity is legally separate and apart from any of its member
58    governments. A separate legal entity that seeks to acquire any
59    utility must notify the host government in writing by certified
60    mail about the contemplated acquisition not less than 90 days
61    before any proposed transfer of ownership, use, or possession of
62    any utility assets by such separate legal entity. The potential
63    acquisition notice must be provided to the legislative head of
64    the governing body of the host government and to its chief
65    administrative officer and must provide the name and address of
66    a contact person for the separate legal entity and information
67    identified in s. 367.071(4)(a) concerning the contemplated
68    acquisition.
69          3. Within 90 days following receipt of the notice, the
70    host government may adopt a resolution to become a member of the
71    separate legal entity; adopt a resolution to approve the utility
72    acquisition; adopt a resolution to prohibit the utility
73    acquisition by the separate legal entity if the host government
74    determines that the proposed acquisition is not in the public
75    interest; request in writing an automatic 45-day extension of
76    the 90-day period in order to allow sufficient time for the host
77    government to evaluate the proposed acquisition; or take no
78    action to agenda the proposed acquisition for discussion at a
79    public meeting, which shall be construed as denial of the
80    proposed acquisition. If a host government adopts a prohibition
81    resolution, the separate legal entity may not acquire the
82    utility within that host government's territory without specific
83    consent of the host government by future resolution. If a host
84    government adopts a membership resolution, the separate legal
85    entity must accept the host government as a member before any
86    transfer of ownership, use, or possession of the utility or the
87    utility facilities on the same basis as its existing members. If
88    a host government does not adopt a prohibition resolution or an
89    approval resolution, does not provide a written request for an
90    extension of the 90-day notice period, and takes no action to
91    initiate judicial proceedings regarding the proposed
92    acquisition, the separate legal entity may proceed to acquire
93    the utility after the 90-day notice period without further
94    notice, except as otherwise agreed upon by the separate legal
95    entity and the host government. In utility acquisitions
96    involving two or more host governments, the Public Service
97    Commission shall consider whether the sale, assignment, or
98    transfer of the utility is in the public interest pursuant to
99    the provisions of s. 367.071(1).
100          4. In addition to the host government's right to review as
101    fair and reasonable the rates, charges, customer
102    classifications, and terms of service that will be in place at
103    the time of acquisition, the host government has the right to
104    review and approve as fair and reasonable any later changes
105    proposed by the separate legal entity to the rates, charges,
106    customer classifications, and terms of service, before adoption
107    by the separate legal entity. In addition, the host government
108    has the right to review and approve any changes to the financing
109    of such facilities which may result in increased costs to
110    customers. Such right of review and approval by the host
111    government is subject to the obligation of the separate legal
112    entity to establish rates and charges that comply with the
113    requirements contained in any resolution or trust agreement
114    relating to the issuance of bonds to acquire and improve the
115    affected utility, and such right does not affect the obligation
116    of the separate legal entity to set rates at a level sufficient
117    to pay debt service on its obligations issued in relation to the
118    host government utility. In order to facilitate review of
119    proposed changes by such host government, the separate legal
120    entity must notify the host government in writing by certified
121    mail about the proposed changes not less than 90 days before it
122    implements any changes. The notice of proposed changes must be
123    provided to the legislative head of the governing body of each
124    host government and to its chief administrative officer and must
125    provide the name and address of a contact person for the
126    separate legal entity and information identified in s.
127    367.081(2)(a)1. as it applies to publicly owned utilities about
128    the proposed changes. If after review the host government
129    believes that the proposed changes are in the public interest,
130    the host government may pass a resolution approving the proposed
131    changes. If, after review, the host government believes that the
132    proposed changes are not in the public interest, the host
133    government may enter into negotiation with the separate legal
134    entity to resolve those concerns. If no agreement is reached
135    within 30 days after the host government's determination that
136    the proposed changes are not in the public interest, the host
137    government may request and, if requested, shall receive binding
138    arbitration services through the Public Service Commission to
139    resolve the dispute with the separate legal entity. The
140    commission shall develop and adopt administrative rules
141    governing the arbitration process and establishing fees for this
142    dispute-resolution service.
143          5. After the acquisition or construction of any utility
144    systems by a separate legal entity created under this
145    subsection, revenues or any other income may not be transferred
146    or paid to a member of a separate legal entity, or to any other
147    county or municipality, from user fees or other charges or
148    revenues generated from customers that are not physically
149    located within the jurisdictional or service delivery boundaries
150    of the member, county, or municipality receiving the transfer or
151    payment. Any transfer or payment to a member or other local
152    government must be solely from user fees or other charges or
153    revenues generated from customers that are physically located
154    within the jurisdictional or service delivery boundaries of the
155    member or local government receiving the transfer or payment.
156          6. The host government is guaranteed the right to acquire
157    any utility or utility system that it hosts owned by the
158    separate legal entity. In those instances when the separate
159    legal entity and the host government cannot agree on the terms
160    and conditions of the acquisition, the host government may
161    request and, if requested, shall receive binding arbitration
162    services through the Public Service Commission to resolve the
163    disputed acquisition terms. The commission shall develop and
164    adopt administrative rules governing the arbitration process and
165    establishing the fees for these services. In developing and
166    adopting its rules governing the acquisition price for a given
167    host government to acquire the utility or utility system located
168    within its jurisdiction, the Public Service Commission shall, to
169    the greatest extent possible, base the acquisition price on the
170    same percentage to the total bonded indebtedness of the separate
171    legal entity upon acquiring the utility as the acquired system's
172    rate base was to the utility's total rate base at the time
173    transferred from a regulated utility to the separate legal
174    entity. This paragraph is an alternative provision otherwise
175    provided by law as authorized in s. 4, Art. VIII of the State
176    Constitution for any transfer of power as a result of an
177    acquisition of a utility by a separate legal entity from a
178    municipality, county, or special district.
179          7.The entity may finance or refinance the acquisition,
180    construction, expansion, and improvement of such facilities
181    relating to a governmental function or purpose through the
182    issuance of its bonds, notes, or other obligations under this
183    section or as otherwise authorized by law. Except as limited by
184    the terms and conditions of the utility acquisition agreement,
185    as approved by the applicable host government,the entity has
186    all the powers provided by the interlocal agreement under which
187    it is created or which are necessary to finance, own, operate,
188    or manage the public facility, including, without limitation,
189    the power to establish rates, charges, and fees for products or
190    services provided by it, the power to levy special assessments,
191    the power to sell or finance all or a portion of such facility,
192    and the power to contract with a public or private entity to
193    manage and operate such facilities or to provide or receive
194    facilities, services, or products. Except as may be limited by
195    the interlocal agreement under which the entity is created, all
196    of the privileges, benefits, powers, and terms of s. 125.01,
197    relating to counties, and s. 166.021, relating to
198    municipalities, are fully applicable to the entity. However,
199    neither the entity nor any of its members on behalf of the
200    entity may exercise the power of eminent domain over the
201    facilities or property of any existing water or wastewater plant
202    utility system, nor may the entity acquire title to any water or
203    wastewater plant utility facilities, other facilities, or
204    property which was acquired by the use of eminent domain after
205    the effective date of this act. Bonds, notes, and other
206    obligations issued by the entity are issued on behalf of the
207    public agencies that are members of the entity.
208          8.2.Except as limited by the terms and conditions of the
209    utility acquisition agreement, as approved by the applicable
210    host government,any entity created under this section may also
211    issue bond anticipation notes in connection with the
212    authorization, issuance, and sale of bonds. The bonds may be
213    issued as serial bonds or as term bonds or both. Any entity may
214    issue capital appreciation bonds or variable rate bonds. Any
215    bonds, notes, or other obligations must be authorized by
216    resolution of the governing body of the entity and bear the date
217    or dates; mature at the time or times, not exceeding 40 years
218    from their respective dates; bear interest at the rate or rates;
219    be payable at the time or times; be in the denomination; be in
220    the form; carry the registration privileges; be executed in the
221    manner; be payable from the sources and in the medium or payment
222    and at the place; and be subject to the terms of redemption,
223    including redemption prior to maturity, as the resolution may
224    provide. If any officer whose signature, or a facsimile of whose
225    signature, appears on any bonds, notes, or other obligations
226    ceases to be an officer before the delivery of the bonds, notes,
227    or other obligations, the signature or facsimile is valid and
228    sufficient for all purposes as if he or she had remained in
229    office until the delivery. The bonds, notes, or other
230    obligations may be sold at public or private sale for such price
231    as the governing body of the entity shall determine. Pending
232    preparation of the definitive bonds, the entity may issue
233    interim certificates, which shall be exchanged for the
234    definitive bonds. The bonds may be secured by a form of credit
235    enhancement, if any, as the entity deems appropriate. The bonds
236    may be secured by an indenture of trust or trust agreement. In
237    addition, the governing body of the legal entity may delegate,
238    to an officer, official, or agent of the legal entity as the
239    governing body of the legal entity may select, the power to
240    determine the time; manner of sale, public or private;
241    maturities; rate of interest, which may be fixed or may vary at
242    the time and in accordance with a specified formula or method of
243    determination; and other terms and conditions as may be deemed
244    appropriate by the officer, official, or agent so designated by
245    the governing body of the legal entity. However, the amount and
246    maturity of the bonds, notes, or other obligations and the
247    interest rate of the bonds, notes, or other obligations must be
248    within the limits prescribed by the governing body of the legal
249    entity and its resolution delegating to an officer, official, or
250    agent the power to authorize the issuance and sale of the bonds,
251    notes, or other obligations.
252          9.3. Bonds, notes, or other obligations issued under this
253    paragraphsubparagraph 1.may be validated as provided in
254    chapter 75. The complaint in any action to validate the bonds,
255    notes, or other obligations must be filed only in the Circuit
256    Court for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s.
257    75.06 must be published in Leon County and in each county that
258    is a member of the entity issuing the bonds, notes, or other
259    obligations, or in which a member of the entity is located, and
260    the complaint and order of the circuit court must be served only
261    on the State Attorney of the Second Judicial Circuit and on the
262    state attorney of each circuit in each county that is a member
263    of the entity issuing the bonds, notes, or other obligations or
264    in which a member of the entity is located. Section 75.04(2)
265    does not apply to a complaint for validation brought by the
266    legal entity.
267          10.4.The accomplishment of the authorized purposes of a
268    legal entity created under this paragraph is in all respects for
269    the benefit of the people of the state, for the increase of
270    their commerce and prosperity, and for the improvement of their
271    health and living conditions. Since the legal entity will
272    perform essential governmental functions in accomplishing its
273    purposes, the legal entity is not required to pay any taxes or
274    assessments of any kind whatsoever upon any property acquired or
275    used by it for such purposes or upon any revenues at any time
276    received by it. The bonds, notes, and other obligations of an
277    entity, their transfer and the income therefrom, including any
278    profits made on the sale thereof, are at all times free from
279    taxation of any kind by the state or by any political
280    subdivision or other agency or instrumentality thereof. The
281    exemption granted in this subparagraph is not applicable to any
282    tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest, income, or profits on
283    debt obligations owned by corporations.
284          Section 30. Subsection (1) of section 120.52, Florida
285    Statutes, is amended to read:
286          120.52 Definitions.--As used in this act:
287          (1) "Agency" means:
288          (a) The Governor in the exercise of all executive powers
289    other than those derived from the constitution.
290          (b) Each:
291          1. State officer and state department, and each
292    departmental unit described in s. 20.04.
293          2. Authority, including a regional water supply authority.
294          3. Board.
295          4. Commission, including the Commission on Ethics and the
296    Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission when acting pursuant
297    to statutory authority derived from the Legislature.
298          5. Regional planning agency.
299          6. Multicounty special district with a majority of its
300    governing board comprised of nonelected persons.
301          7. Educational units.
302          8. Entity described in chapters 163, 373, 380, and 582 and
303    s. 186.504.
304          (c) Each other unit of government in the state, including
305    counties and municipalities, to the extent they are expressly
306    made subject to this act by general or special law or existing
307    judicial decisions.
308         
309         
310          This definition does not include any legal entity or agency
311    created in whole or in part pursuant to chapter 361, part II, an
312    expressway authority pursuant to chapter 348, any legal or
313    administrative entity created by an interlocal agreement
314    pursuant to s. 163.01(7), except those created pursuant to s.
315    163.01(7)(g)1.,unless any party to such agreement is otherwise
316    an agency as defined in this subsection, or any multicounty
317    special district with a majority of its governing board
318    comprised of elected persons; however, this definition shall
319    include a regional water supply authority.
320          Section 31. Subsection (7) of section 367.021, Florida
321    Statutes, is amended to read:
322          367.021 Definitions.--As used in this chapter, the
323    following words or terms shall have the meanings indicated:
324          (7) "Governmental authority" means a political
325    subdivision, as defined by s. 1.01(8), a regional water supply
326    authority created pursuant to s. 373.1962, or a nonprofit
327    corporation formed for the purpose of acting on behalf of a
328    political subdivision with respect to a water or wastewater
329    facility; however, this definition shall exclude a separate
330    legal entity created pursuant to s. 163.01(7)(g)1.
331          Section 32. Subsections (1) and (4) of section 367.071,
332    Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
333          367.071 Sale, assignment, or transfer of certificate of
334    authorization, facilities, or control.--
335          (1) ANo utility may notshallsell, assign, or transfer
336    its certificate of authorization, facilities or any portion
337    thereof, or majority organizational control without
338    determination and approval of the commission that the proposed
339    sale, assignment, or transfer is in the public interest and that
340    the buyer, assignee, or transferee will fulfill the commitments,
341    obligations, and representations of the utility. However, a
342    sale, assignment, or transfer of its certificate of
343    authorization, facilities or any portion thereof, or majority
344    organizational control may occur prior to commission approval if
345    the contract for sale, assignment, or transfer is made
346    contingent upon commission approval.
347          (4) An application shall be disposed of as provided in s.
348    367.045, except that:
349          (a) The sale of facilities, in whole or part, to a
350    governmental authority, as defined in s. 367.021(7),shall be
351    approved as a matter of right; however, the governmental
352    authority shall, prior to taking any official action, obtain
353    from the utility or commission with respect to the facilities to
354    be sold the most recent available income and expense statement,
355    balance sheet, and statement of rate base for regulatory
356    purposes and contributions-in-aid-of-construction. Any request
357    for rate relief pending before the commission at the time of
358    sale is deemed to have been withdrawn. Interim rates, if
359    previously approved by the commission, must be discontinued, and
360    any money collected pursuant to interim rate relief must be
361    refunded to the customers of the utility with interest.
362          (b) When paragraph (a) does not apply, the commission
363    shall amend the certificate of authorization as necessary to
364    reflect the change resulting from the sale, assignment, or
365    transfer.
366          Section 33. If any provision of this act or the
367    application thereof to any person or circumstance is held
368    invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or
369    applications of this act which can be given effect without the
370    invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions
371    of this act are declared severable.
372          Section 34. Private property rights and regional
373    reservoirs.--
374          (1) The Legislature finds that construction of a regional
375    reservoir designed to store more than 10 billion gallons of
376    water may inordinately burden nearby real property because of
377    the proximity of the reservoir and may result in a loss of value
378    for the property owner. Therefore, a regional water supply
379    authority, serving three or fewer counties, that is authorized
380    to construct, operate, and maintain such a regional reservoir
381    shall be deemed a governmental entity under section 70.001,
382    Florida Statutes, the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property
383    Rights Protection Act, for purposes of this section.
384          (2) This section provides a cause of action for the
385    actions of a regional water supply authority, in siting and
386    constructing a reservoir as described in subsection (1), that
387    may not rise to the level of a taking under the State
388    Constitution or the United States Constitution. This section may
389    not necessarily be construed under the case law regarding
390    takings if the action of a regional water supply authority does
391    not rise to the level of a taking. The provisions of this
392    section are cumulative and do not abrogate any other remedy
393    lawfully available, including any remedy lawfully available for
394    the actions of a regional water supply authority that rise to
395    the level of a taking. However, a regional water supply
396    authority may not be liable more than once for compensation due
397    to an action of the regional water supply authority that results
398    in a loss of value for a subject real property.
399          (3) Each owner of real property located within 10,000 feet
400    of the the center of the footprint of a regional reservoir, as
401    described in subsection(1), or 5,500 feet from the exterior of
402    the berm of such reservoir, may present a claim for compensation
403    in writing to the head of the regional water supply authority on
404    or before December 31, 2004, for a loss in property value
405    resulting from the proximity of the reservoir. For each claim
406    presented under this section, section 70.001, Florida Statutes,
407    applies, except when there is conflict with this section, the
408    provisions of this section shall govern.
409          (a) The property owner must submit along with the claim a
410    bona fide, valid appraisal that supports the claim and
411    demonstrates the loss in fair market value to the real property.
412          (b) A claim under this section shall be presented only to
413    the regional water supply authority that is authorized to
414    construct, operate, and maintain the reservoir.
415          (4) The Legislature recognizes that construction and
416    maintenance of a regional reservoir may not necessarily
417    interfere with allowable uses of real property near the
418    reservoir. However, the siting and construction of the reservoir
419    may result in an actual loss to the fair market value of real
420    property located within 10,000 feet of the center of the
421    footprint of the reservoir, or 5,500 feet from the exterior of
422    the berm, because of the proximity of the reservoir. Therefore,
423    any offer of compensation by the regional water supply authority
424    shall be based solely on the loss of value for the property
425    owner as a result of the proximity of the reservoir and not on
426    the effects the reservoir has on existing uses or on a vested
427    right to a specific use of real property.
428          (a) Notwithstanding section 70.001, Florida Statutes, the
429    regional water supply authority to whom a claim is presented
430    shall, not later than 180 days after receiving such claim:
431          1. Make a written offer to purchase the real property if
432    there is more than a 50-percent loss in value to the real
433    property as a result of the proximity of the reservoir and if
434    the property owner is a willing seller;
435          2. Make a written offer to purchase an interest in rights
436    of use which may become transferable development rights to be
437    held, sold, or otherwise disposed of by the regional water
438    supply authority; or
439          3. Terminate negotiations.
440          (b) An offer by the regional water supply authority to
441    purchase the property in fee or purchase an interest in rights
442    of use under this section shall cover the cost of the appraisal
443    required in subsection (3).
444          (5) During the 180-day period, unless the property owner
445    accepts a written offer for purchase pursuant to subparagraph
446    (4)(a)1. or 2., the regional water supply authority shall issue
447    a final decision stating that:
448          (a) The real property has a loss in value due to an
449    inordinate burden on the property resulting from the proximity
450    of the reservoir and the regional water supply authority and
451    property owner cannot reach agreement on the amount of
452    compensation; or
453          (b) The property owner has failed to establish a basis for
454    relief under the provisions of this section and section 70.001,
455    Florida Statutes.
456         
457         
458          Failure of the regional water supply authority to issue a final
459    decision as required by this subsection shall cause the written
460    offer or termination of negotiations required in subsection (4)
461    to operate as a final decision. As a matter of law, this final
462    decision constitutes the last prerequisite to judicial review of
463    the merits for the purposes of the judicial proceeding provided
464    for in section 70.001, Florida Statutes.
465          (6) The circuit court, for purposes of this section, shall
466    determine whether, considering the written offer and final
467    decision, the regional water supply authority has inordinately
468    burdened the subject real property. Following a determination
469    that the regional water supply authority has inordinately
470    burdened the real property, the court shall impanel a jury to
471    determine the total amount of compensation to the property owner
472    for the loss in value due to the inordinate burden to the
473    subject real property.
474          (7) Pursuant to section 70.001, Florida Statutes, the
475    court may award reasonable costs and attorney's fees and the
476    court shall determine the amount. If the court awards the
477    property owner reasonable costs and attorney's fees, the costs
478    shall include the cost of the appraisal required in
479    subsection(3).
480          (8) This section shall take effect July 1, 2003, and is
481    repealed effective January 1, 2005. However, the repeal of this
482    section shall not affect a claim filed on or before December 31,
483    2004.
484          Section 35. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
485    act, this act shall take effect upon becoming a law and shall
486    apply to all contracts pending on that date.
487         
488         
489    ================= T I T L E A M E N D M E N T =================
490          Remove line(s) 109, and insert:
491          certain fees; amending s. 163.01, F.S.; providing applicability
492    of provisions relating to ownership and operation of utilities
493    by entities composed of municipalities and counties; prescribing
494    powers of counties and specified municipalities with respect to
495    acquisition of water utilities and wastewater utilities by
496    separate legal entities composed of municipalities and counties;
497    authorizing the Public Service Commission to review the
498    acquisition of a utility by two or more host governments;
499    providing for a binding arbitration process under the Public
500    Service Commission to resolve certain disputes relating to
501    utility acquisition; authorizing the commission to adopt rules;
502    requiring the Public Service Commission to establish rules that
503    base the acquisition price for a host government to acquire a
504    utility on certain information; amending s. 120.52, F.S.;
505    deleting an exception from the requirements of ch. 120, F.S.,
506    for an entity created under s. 163.01(7)(g)1., F.S.; amending s.
507    367.021, F.S.; excluding an entity created under s.
508    163.01(7)(g)1., F.S., from the definition of "governmental
509    authority"; amending s. 367.071, F.S.; deleting a provision
510    authorizing a utility to be sold or transferred prior to
511    approval of the Public Service Commission with a contingency
512    clause in the contract; providing severability; providing
513    legislative findings with respect to loss of property values due
514    to the proximity of a regional water reservoir; authorizing a
515    cause of action for a property owner; specifying a period during
516    which a property owner may present a claim for compensation to
517    the regional water supply authority that constructs, operates,
518    and maintains the reservoir; providing requirements for the
519    offer of compensation by a regional water supply authority;
520    providing for judicial review under the Bert J. Harris, Jr.,
521    Private Property Rights Protection Act; providing for an award
522    of costs and attorney's fees; providing for future repeal of the
523    section; providing for applicability; providing effective dates.