HB 521

1	A bill to be entitled
2	An act relating to the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority,
3	Lee and Charlotte Counties; amending chapter 2000-425,
4	Laws of Florida; renaming the authority; providing that
5	the district is an independent special district; revising
6	vote requirements for the election of the voting members
7	of the board of supervisors; revising the district's
8	fiscal year; providing an effective date.
9
10	Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
11
12	Section 1.  Sections 1 through 23 of section 2 of chapter
13	2000-425, Laws of Florida, are amended to read:
14	Section 1.  LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS.-It is declared as a
15	matter of legislative determination that the residents of
16	Gasparilla Island and its neighboring islands have a vital
17	interest in the operation and the continued maintenance and
18	improvement of the bridge and causeway linking the islands to
19	the mainland. The bridge and causeway were constructed in 1952
20	by a private company. That company and its successors have
21	operated the bridge and collected tolls since 1952 under a 50-
22	year lease from the state which expires in May 2002. The
23	residents of Gasparilla Island are the primary users of the
24	bridge and pay the majority of tolls collected for its continued
25	maintenance. It is the intent of the Legislature to create an
26	independent special district authority on Gasparilla Island and
27	surrounding islands, in both Lee and Charlotte Counties, with
28	overall responsibility for the ownership, operation,
29	maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of the bridge and
30	causeway connecting Gasparilla Island with the mainland in
31	Charlotte County, thereby creating an organization to permit the
32	continuing responsibility on the part of the residents of
33	Gasparilla Island and surrounding islands for the operation,
34	maintenance, repair, and reconstruction of the bridge and
35	causeway. This act shall be known as "The Gasparilla Island
36	Bridge Agency Authority Act."
37	Section 2.  AGENCY AUTHORITY CREATED.-There is hereby
38	created and established an independent special district and a
39	local governmental body, corporate and politic, to be known as
40	the Gasparilla Island Bridge Agency Authority. The boundaries of
41	the district authority shall include: all of Gasparilla Island,
42	including Boca Grande Isles and Gasparilla Golf Course Island,
43	Three Sisters Island, Hoagen's Key, Loomis Island, and Cole
44	Island situated in Lee County and Charlotte County including all
45	adjacent submerged lands, tidal lands, overflow lands, and tidal
46	ponds hereinafter referred to as the "islands," and the
47	following described lands located on or between the islands and
48	the mainland of Charlotte County, Florida:
49	Parcel I:
50	That real property described in the Final Judgment
51	entered in Condemnation Suit, Case #1048 entitled
52	Florida Bridge Company, Plaintiff -vs- Sunset Realty
53	Corporation, Defendant, Circuit Court, Charlotte
54	County, Florida, said judgment being dated June 18,
55	1958, recorded June 13, 1958, in O.R. Book 39 at Page
56	178, et. seq., of the Public Records of Charlotte
57	County, Florida, which property is more particularly
58	described as follows: A parcel containing 3.4937 acres
59	of land, lying and being in Charlotte County Florida,
60	lying 15' on either side of the following described
61	centerline:
62	Commencing at the intersection of Sections 26, 27, 34
63	and 35, Township 42 South, Range 20 East; thence North
64	89°47'36" West, 292.84 feet; thence North 22°39'51"
65	West 147.19 feet; thence North 16°28'24" East, 1,105.2
66	feet to the South end of the South relief bridge as
67	constructed by the Florida Bridge Corp. under its
68	franchise, to point of beginning; thence from said
69	point of beginning South 16°28'24" West 286.85 feet to
70	a point of curvature; thence Southeasterly along a
71	curve whose radius is 2,864.79 feet, an arc distance
72	of 1,956.88 feet to a point; thence South 21°56'21"
73	East 800 feet to the center of the County road
74	pavement as exists at present, crossing the 30' R/W
75	line of said County road 157.6 feet North of the point
76	as established in the center of said County road, all
77	lying a being in Sections 26, 27, 34 and 35, Township
78	42 South, Range 20 East, Charlotte County, Florida.
79	Parcel II:
80	The following described lands (herein Parcels A, B, C,
81	and D, respectively) situated in Charlotte County,
82	Florida:
83	Parcel A. Those lands described in instrument dated
84	November 26, 1954, between Boca Grande Inn, Inc., a
85	Florida corporation, and Florida Bridge Company, a
86	Florida corporation, recorded April 11, 1958 in O.R.
87	Book 36, Page 211 et. seq. Of the Public Records of
88	Charlotte County, Florida, more particularly described
89	as follows:
90	A strip or parcel of land in Section 12, Township 42
91	South, Range 20 East, which strip or parcel is 33 feet
92	on each side of, as measured at right angles to, the
93	following described center line: From the intersection
94	of the centerline of the Seaboard Air Line Railroad
95	(Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad) with the
96	center line of Florida State Road No. 775 in said
97	Section 12, run North 59°01'06" West, (being the same
98	line as shown as having a bearing of North 58°59' West
99	on the right-of-way map of said State Road) along the
100	center line of said State Road No. 775 for 1,260 feet
101	to a point of curve of a curve to the right; thence
102	continue along the tangent of said curve for 111.93
103	feet to a point; thence run South 01°00'54" West for
104	55.64 feet to a point on the South right-of-way line
105	of State Road No. 775 and the point of beginning of
106	the center line of the lands hereby conveyed; from
107	said point of beginning continue South 01°00'54" West
108	for 1,049.49 feet to the point of curve of a curve to
109	the right having a radius of 2,864.79 feet; thence run
110	Southerly to Southwesterly along the arc of said curve
111	for 420 feet, more or less, to the mean high water
112	mark of Gasparilla Sound. All bearings hereinabove
113	mentioned are plane coordinate bearings for the
114	Florida West Zone.
115	Parcel B. Those lands described in Grant of Right-of-
116	Way from the Trustees of the Internal Improvement
117	Trust Fund of the State of Florida to Florida Bridge
118	Company, Inc. dated December 30, 1954, bearing
119	instrument no. 20840, recorded January 26, 1955, in
120	O.R. Book 1, Page 146 et. seq. of the Public Records
121	of Charlotte County, Florida, as amended, more
122	particularly described as follows:
123	CAUSEWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY
124	Lands for highway right-of-way purposes across the
125	submerged bottoms of Gasparilla Sound from the mean
126	high water mark of said Sound on the mainland at the
127	town of Placida to the mean high water mark on
128	Gasparilla Island, said lands being 300 feet wide on
129	each side of, as measured at right angles to, a center
130	line, more particularly described as follows:
131	Commence at the intersection of the center line of the
132	S.A.L. R.R. and the center line of S.R. No. 775 in
133	Section 12, Township 42 South, Range 20 East,
134	Charlotte County, Florida.
135	Thence North 59°01'06" West along the center of said
136	S.R. No. 775 1,260 feet the P.C. of a curve to the
137	right;
138	Thence continue along the tangent to said curve 111.93
139	feet to a point;
140	Thence South 01°01'09" West 900 feet, more or less, to
141	the mean high water mark of Gasparilla Sound, said
142	point being the point of beginning of the easement
143	herein granted; From P.O.B. continue South 01°01'09"
144	West 593.95 feet to a point in Gasparilla Sound, said
145	point being 930 feet from, as measured at right angles
146	to, the center line of said S.A.L. R.R.;
147	Thence South 16°28'24" West parallel to and 930 feet
148	from said center line 8,743 feet to the mean high
149	water mark of Gasparilla Sound on Gasparilla Island,
150	said high water mark being the terminus of this center
151	line.
152	AND
153	An area on the Northwesterly side of the causeway
154	center line beginning 100 feet off shore from the
155	Placida side of Gasparilla Sound and extending
156	Southwesterly parallel to the center line of said
157	causeway for a distance of 4,000 feet. The
158	Northwesterly limits of said area shall be not more
159	than 1,500 feet from said center line and the
160	Southeasterly limits shall be not less than 1,000 feet
161	from said causeway center line.
162	AND
163	An area on the Southeasterly side of the causeway
164	center line beginning 100 feet off shore from the
165	Placida side of Gasparilla Sound and extending
166	Southwesterly parallel with center line of causeway
167	for a distance of 9,000 feet. The Southeasterly limits
168	of said area shall be not more than 600 feet from said
169	center line and the Northwesterly limits shall be the
170	right-of-way for causeway.
171	LESS AND EXCEPT FROM PARCEL B THE FOLLOWING:
172	The lands conveyed by Robert L. King and Carroll C.
173	Cozart, as personal representative of the estate of
174	Robert T. Cozart, deceased, to Gasparilla Pass, Inc.
175	by deed dated July 16, 1981, recorded July 16, 1981 in
176	O.R. Book 672 at Page 1045 et. seq. of the Public
177	Records of Charlotte County, Florida, more
178	particularly described as follows:
179	A tract of parcel of land lying in Section 26,
180	Township 42 South, Range 20 East, Charlotte County,
181	Florida which tract or parcel is described as follows:
182	From the Southwest corner of said Section 26 on
183	Gasparilla Island as shown on the plat of Gulf Shores
184	North recorded in Plat Book 13 beginning at Page 9A,
185	Charlotte County Records run North 89°45'15" West
186	along the South line of Section 27 as shown on said
187	plat for 82.13 feet to an intersection with the
188	centerline of Gasparilla Road (50 feet wide); thence
189	run Northerly along said centerline as shown on said
190	plat along the arc of a curve to the right of radius
191	2,864.79 feet (chord bearing North 05°14'34" East) for
192	1,123.99 feet to a point of tangency; thence continue
193	along said centerline North 16°28'45" East, parallel
194	with and 930 feet Westerly from (as measured on a
195	perpendicular) the centerline of the Seaboard Coast
196	Line Railroad, for 527.77 feet to the Northerly end of
197	the South Relief Bridge on the Boca Grande Causeway;
198	thence continue North 16°28'45" East along said
199	centerline as described in instruments recorded in
200	Official Records Book 1 at Page 145, Official Records
201	Book 7 at Page 177, and Official Records Book 479 at
202	Page 817 of said public records for 2,549.58 feet to
203	the southerly end of the Center Relief Bridge and the
204	Point of Beginning of lands described in said
205	instrument recorded in Official Record Book 479 at
206	Page 817 and the Point of Beginning of the herein
207	described parcel.
208	From said Point of Beginning run South 79°31'15" East
209	for 37 feet more or less to the approximate mean high
210	tide line of Charlotte Harbor, thence run
211	Southeasterly, Southerly, Southwesterly, Southerly,
212	Southeasterly, Southerly, Southwesterly, Southerly,
213	Southeasterly, Southerly, Southwesterly, Southerly,
214	Southeasterly, Southerly, Southwesterly, Southerly,
215	Southeasterly, Southerly, Southwesterly and Westerly
216	along said approximate mean high tide line for 3,000
217	feet more or less to a concrete seawall on the
218	easterly line of the Florida Bridge company right-of-
219	way (120 feet wide); thence run Southerly and
220	Southwesterly along said seawall to an intersection
221	with an easterly prolongation of the Northerly end of
222	said South Relief Bridge; thence run North 73°31'15"
223	West along said prolongation, said North line and a
224	Westerly prolongation of said North line for 85 feet
225	more or less to the approximate mean high tide line of
226	Gasparilla Pass; thence run-along said approximate
227	mean high tide line Northwesterly, Northerly,
228	Northeasterly and Northerly for 2,650 feet more or
229	less to an intersection with the Westerly prolongation
230	of said South line of said Center Relief Bridge;
231	thence run South 73°31'15" East along said
232	prolongation and said South line for 45 feet more or
233	less to the Point of Beginning.
234	Bearing hereinafter mentioned are Plan Coordinate for
235	the Florida West Zone.
236	ALSO LESS AND EXCEPT FROM PARCEL B THE FOLLOWING:
237	The lands conveyed to A.E. Blackburn and his wife,
238	Mary M. Blackburn, Robert S. Maynard and Mildred M.
239	Maynard and Samuel Schuckman and Lucile Schuckman by
240	deeds recorded in O.R. Book 13, Page 360, O.R. Book
241	42, Page 502 and O.R. Book 43, Page 353 of the Public
242	Records of Charlotte County Florida:
243	From the meander corner between Section 22 and 27,
244	Township 42 South, Range 20 East, on Little Gasparilla
245	Island, as established in 1908 by Charles M. Pidgeon,
246	run East 618 feet to a point for point of beginning.
247	Thence as follows:
248	North 3°30' East, 420 feet,
249	North 42°00' East, 290 feet,
250	North 70°30' East, 660 feet,
251	South 62°00' East, 930 feet,
252	South 45°30' East, 380 feet,
253	South 66°30' East, 660 feet,
254	South 5°00' East, 515 feet,
255	South 76°00' West, 575 feet,
256	South 62°00' West, 910 feet,
257	North 76°30' West, 1180 feet,
258	North 4°30' West, 935 feet,
259	to a Point of Beginning containing 82.20 acres more or
260	less;
261	ALSO LESS AND EXCEPT FROM PARCEL B THE FOLLOWING:
262	A portion of the lands described in warranty deed from
263	Bert L. Cole and Helen Cole, husband and wife, to
264	Brunswick Corporation dated January 2, 1973, recorded
265	January 2, 1973 in O.R. Book 407, Page 766 and fee
266	simple deed dated September 1, 1972 in O.R. Book 401,
267	Page 882 of the Public Records of Charlotte County,
268	Florida, more particularly described as follows:
269	Commence at the N.W. corner of Section 12, Township 42
270	South, Range 20 East, Charlotte County, Florida;
271	thence South 0°11'00" West along the West line of said
272	Section 12, 2073.74' to a point on the Southeasterly
273	right-of-way (100' right-of-way) of State Road No.
274	775; thence South 48°03'00" East along said right-of-
275	way 941.68' for a point of beginning; thence continue
276	South 48°03'00" East, 209.58' to the Point of
277	Curvature of a curve to the left, said curve having a
278	central angle of 10°56'00" and a radius of 1,960.08';
279	thence along the arc of said curve a distance of
280	374.09' to the Point of Tangency; thence South
281	0°11'00" West, 979.29' thence North 80°34'09" West,
282	948.20'; thence North 0°41'48" West, 699.41'; thence
283	North 45°16'45" East, 690.82' to the Point of
284	Beginning.
285	Less all that part of the above described lands lying
286	East of the West boundary of the right-of-way of the
287	Boca Grande Causeway.
288	All lying and being in Section 12, Township 42 South,
289	Range 20 East, Charlotte County, Florida.
290	ALSO LESS AND EXCEPT FROM PARCEL B THE FOLLOWING:
291	A portion of the lands described in warranty deeds
292	from Placida Sound Corporation to James O. Dixon, Jay
293	D. Moser and Janice D. Parrish dated January 19, 1979,
294	recorded January 22, 1979, in O.R. Book 593, Page 1713
295	and deeds recorded in O.R. Book 671, Page 1915 and
296	O.R. Book 671, Page 1914, Public Records of Charlotte
297	County, Florida, more particularly described as
298	follows: Commence at the Northwest corner of Section
299	12, Township 42 South, Range 20 East, Charlotte
300	County, Florida; thence South 0°11'00" West, along
301	West boundary of said Section 12, 2,952.87 feet;
302	thence South 41°59'07" East 317.87 feet; then South
303	0°41'48" East, 699.41 feet for a P.O.B.; thence
304	continue South 0°41'48" East, 602.98 feet; thence
305	South 76°03'07" East 730.00 feet to a point on the
306	Westerly R/W of Boca Grande Causeway (66'R/W) thence
307	Northerly along said R/W 651.18 feet to a point that
308	bears North 8°14'06" East from the previous course;
309	thence North 80°34'09" West 820.17 feet to the Point
310	of Beginning. All lying and being in Section 12,
311	Township 42 South, Range 20 East, Charlotte County,
312	Florida.
313	Parcel C. Those lands described in Right-of-Way from
314	A. E. Blackburn and Mary M. Blackburn, husband and
315	wife, to Florida Bridge Company dated July 5, 1956,
316	recorded in O.R. book 118, Page 675 of the Public
317	Records of Charlotte County, Florida, more
318	particularly described as follows:
319	A strip of land 33 feet on each side of the center
320	line of Florida Bridge Company causeway across the
321	Easterly part of the following described property:
322	From the meander corner between Section 22 and 27,
323	Township 42 South, Range 20 East, on Little Gasparilla
324	Island, as established in 1908 by Charles M. Pidgeon,
325	run East 618 feet to a point for point of beginning,
326	Thence as follows:
327	North 3°30'East, 420 feet,
328	North 42°00' East, 290 feet,
329	North 70°30' East, 660 feet,
330	South 62°00' East, 930 feet,
331	South 45°30' East, 380 feet,
332	South 66°30' East, 660 feet,
333	South 5°00' East, 515 feet,
334	South 76°00' West, 575 feet,
335	South 62°00' West, 910 feet,
336	North 76°30' West, 1,180 feet,
337	North 4°30' West, 935 feet,
338	to Point of Beginning containing 82.20 acres more or
339	less;
340	Parcel D. Those lands described in instrument between
341	G. M. Cole, joined by his wife, Addie Cole, and
342	Florida Bridge Company, Inc. dated September 12, 1952,
343	recorded December 1, 1955, in O.R. Book 7, Page 177
344	et. seq. of the Public Records of Charlotte County,
345	Florida, more particularly described as follows:
346	A strip of land across Cole Island, extending from the
347	Northerly to the Southerly end thereof and being 120
348	feet in width (60 feet on each side of the center line
349	of Florida Bridge Company causeway), such center line
350	of said easement begin parallel to and 930 feet
351	Westerly from the center line of the Seaboard Airline
352	Railroad Company track.
353	Section 3.  PURPOSES.-
354	(1)  The district authority is created for the purpose of
355	acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, financing, owning,
356	managing, providing, promoting, improving, expanding,
357	maintaining, operating, regulating, franchising, and otherwise
358	having complete authority, with respect to the Gasparilla Island
359	bridge and causeway within the territorial limits of Charlotte
360	County, and areas adjacent thereto. It is further the purpose of
361	this act to repose in the district authority all powers with
362	respect to operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving the
363	bridge and causeway, including the power to set bridge toll
364	rates and collect bridge tolls, and such other additional powers
365	as are hereafter designated by this act.
366	(2)  The Legislature finds and declares that the creation
367	of the district authority and the carrying out of its purposes
368	are in all respects for the benefit of the people of this state
369	and the people of Lee and Charlotte Counties. The district
370	authority is performing an essential governmental function. All
371	property of said district authority is and shall in all respects
372	be considered to be public property, and title to such property
373	shall be held by the district authority for the benefit of the
374	public. The use of such property, until disposed of upon such
375	terms as the district authority may deem just, shall be for
376	essential public and governmental purposes.
377	(3)  It is the intent of this act to create the district
378	authority as an independent special district that meets all the
379	requirements for independent special districts provided in
380	chapter 189, Florida Statutes.
381	Section 4.  DEFINITIONS.-As used in this act, the following
382	words and terms shall have the following meanings, unless some
383	other meaning is plainly intended:
384	(1)  "Authority" means the Gasparilla Island Bridge
385	Authority acting by and through its governing body as
386	established under section 2.
387	(1)(2)  "Board" means the Board of Supervisors of the
388	Gasparilla Island Bridge Agency.
389	(2)(3)  "Charlotte County Commission" means the Charlotte
390	County Board of County Commissioners.
391	(3)  "District" means the Gasparilla Island Bridge Agency
392	acting by and through its governing body as established under
393	section 2.
394	(4)  "Lee County Commission" means the Lee Charlotte County
395	Board of County Commissioners.
396	(5)  "Clerk" means the clerk of the circuit court and the
397	ex officio Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners of
398	Charlotte County or Lee County.
399	(6)  "Cost" as applied to the acquisition, construction,
400	extension, additions, or improvements to the bridge and causeway
401	or to the establishment of the district authority includes the
402	cost of: construction or reconstruction; acquisition or purchase
403	of real or personal property; expenses relating to the issuance
404	of bonds; indemnity or surety bonds; premiums for insurance on
405	real or personal property; expenses related to the establishment
406	of the district authority; labor, materials, machinery,
407	supplies, and equipment; any interest in land including all
408	property rights, easements, and franchises of any nature;
409	finance charges; interest payments; payments for the creation of
410	initial reserve or debt service reserve funds; bond discount;
411	architectural and engineering services; financial and banking
412	services; legal and accounting services; all other expenses
413	necessary or incidental for determining the feasibility of
414	construction, reconstruction, or acquisition; all other expenses
415	necessary or incidental to any financing authorized herein;
416	reimbursement of any other person, firm, or corporation for any
417	moneys or services advanced to the district authority in
418	connection with any of the foregoing items of cost.
419	(7)  "Elector" means any registered voter within the
420	boundaries of the district authority.
421	(8)  "Executive director" shall be the chief executive
422	officer of the district authority, who shall carry out the
423	policies of the district authority.
424	(9)  "Gross receipts" means any income received from all
425	tolls collected for the use of the bridge and causeway and other
426	income received from all other sources, including income
427	received from taxpayers from ad valorem tax assessments.
428	(10)  "Taxpayer" means any natural or corporate person who
429	owns real property within the boundaries of the district
430	authority.
431	(11)  "Revenue bonds" or "bonds" means bonds or other
432	obligations secured by and payable from the revenues derived
433	from tolls, fees, or charges collected by the district authority
434	from users or future users of the facilities of the system,
435	which may be additionally secured by a pledge of the proceeds of
436	ad valorem taxes levied against property within the boundaries
437	of the district authority, all to the extent determined by
438	resolution of the district authority.
439	(12)  "Bridge and causeway system" means and includes all
440	bridges, causeways, roadways, toll facilities, or property and
441	additions, extensions, and improvements thereto at any future
442	time constructed and acquired as part thereof, useful or
443	necessary or having the present capacity for future use in
444	connection with maintaining a bridge and roadway across
445	Gasparilla Pass in Charlotte County.
446	Section 5.  GOVERNING BODY.-
447	(1)  The governing body of the district authority shall
448	consist of nine members acting as the Board of Supervisors. Five
449	of these members shall be voting members with full power to
450	conduct the business of the district authority by majority vote
451	of the voting members. The other four members shall serve as ex
452	officio, nonvoting members who shall participate in board
453	discussions as representatives of the taxpayers who are not
454	qualified as electors of the district authority. Each member
455	shall serve terms of 4 years, provided that the initial members
456	of the Board of Supervisors and their terms of office shall be
457	as follows:
458	(a)  Board Supervisor No. 1, Board Supervisor No. 3, Board
459	Supervisor No. 5, Board Supervisor No. 7, and Board Supervisor
460	No. 9 shall be appointed by the Lee County Commission and serve
461	until November 15, 1996. These supervisor positions shall be
462	first elected or appointed thereafter as herein described.
463	(b)  Board Supervisor No. 2, Board Supervisor No. 4, Board
464	Supervisor No. 6, and Board Supervisor No. 8 shall be appointed
465	by the Charlotte County Commission and serve until November 15,
466	1996. These supervisor positions shall be elected or appointed
467	thereafter as herein described.
468	(2)  Board Supervisor No. 1, Board Supervisor No. 2, Board
469	Supervisor No. 3, Board Supervisor No. 4, and Board Supervisor
470	No. 5 shall be voting members of the Board of Supervisors who
471	are qualified as electors within the boundaries of the district
472	authority. Board Supervisor No. 6, Board Supervisor No. 7, Board
473	Supervisor No. 8, and Board Supervisor No. 9 shall be ex
474	officio, nonvoting members who are appointed by the board at its
475	first meeting following the general election. The ex officio,
476	nonvoting members must be either electors or taxpayers from
477	within the boundaries of the district. No board member shall be
478	elected or appointed for more than two consecutive 4-year terms
479	except the chair, who may be elected to a maximum of three 4-
480	year terms. The chair must be a voting member of the board.
481	(3)  The voting members of the Board of Supervisors shall
482	be elected by a plurality majority of the electors of the
483	district authority voting in the general election in November of
484	each even numbered year. Each elector may exercise one vote.
485	Those members duly elected to serve will take office on November
486	15 following their election.
487	(a)  Board Supervisor No. 1, Board Supervisor No. 3, Board
488	Supervisor No. 5, Board Supervisor No. 6, and Board Supervisor
489	No. 8 shall be first elected or appointed in the November 1996
490	election and every fourth year thereafter.
491	(b)  Board Supervisor No. 2, Board Supervisor No. 4, Board
492	Supervisor No. 7, and Board Supervisor No. 9 shall be first
493	elected or appointed at the November 1996 election to a 2-year
494	term. They shall be appointed or stand for election to a full 4-
495	year term commencing at the November 1998 election and shall be
496	elected or appointed every fourth year thereafter.
497	(4)  The district authority is authorized to conduct its
498	elections independently or through the Lee County or Charlotte
499	County Supervisor of Elections. Should the district authority
500	elect to conduct its own elections, it shall make its election
501	procedures consistent with the Florida Election Code, chapters
502	97 through 106, Florida Statutes, for the following:
503	(a)  Qualifying periods, in accordance with section 99.061,
504	Florida Statutes;
505	(b)  Petition format, in accordance with rules adopted by
506	the Florida Division of Elections;
507	(c)  Canvassing of returns, in accordance with sections
508	101.5614 and 102.151, Florida Statutes;
509	(d)  Noticing special district elections, in accordance
510	with chapter 100, Florida Statutes;
511	(e)  Polling hours, in accordance with section 100.011,
512	Florida Statutes.
513	(5)  Upon the occasion of a vacancy for any reason in the
514	term of office of a voting member of the governing body of the
515	district authority, a successor shall be appointed by the
516	Governor. Any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall be
517	appointed to serve for the balance of the unexpired term or
518	until the next election at which a successor may be duly elected
519	to fill the balance of the unexpired term.
520	(6)  Upon the occasion of a vacancy for any reason in the
521	term of office of an ex officio nonvoting member, a successor
522	shall be appointed by a majority of the voting members of the
523	governing body of the district authority.
524	(7)  The Board of Supervisors shall elect a chair and vice
525	chair from members of the district authority, each of whom shall
526	serve for 1 year or until his or her successor is chosen. The
527	chair, or the vice chair in the chair's absence, shall preside
528	at all meetings of the district authority and shall perform such
529	additional duties as prescribed by the members or contained in
530	the bylaws of the district authority. The district authority
531	shall hold regular meetings at least
532	places as it may designate and may
533	meetings. Three voting members
534	purpose of meeting and transacting business. Each voting member
535	of the district authority shall have one vote. The district
536	authority may adopt bylaws and may make all policies,
537	procedures, rules, and regulations not inconsistent with this
538	act which it may deem necessary respecting the conduct of its
539	affairs. Such policies, procedures, rules, and regulations shall
540	provide for notice of all public meetings in conformity with the
541	requirements of section 189.417, Florida Statutes, and shall
542	provide that an agenda shall be prepared by the district
543	authority in time to ensure that a copy of the agenda will be
544	available at least 3 days prior to any regular meetings of the
545	district authority. After the agenda has been made available,
546	items may be added for good cause, as determined by the chair or
547	person designated to preside at the meeting. The reason for
548	adding an item to the agenda shall be stated in the record.
549	Special or emergency meetings may be called by the chair upon no
550	less than 48 hours' notice. The district authority shall publish
551	and thereafter codify and index all rules, regulations, and
552	resolutions formulated, adopted, or used by the district
553	authority in the discharge of its functions. Such rules,
554	regulations, and resolutions shall be made available for public
555	inspection and copying, at no more than cost. The district
556	authority shall not be deemed to be an agency within the meaning
557	of chapter 120, Florida Statutes. The district authority shall
558	be deemed to be an agency within the meaning of chapter 119,
559	Florida Statutes, and all records of the district authority
560	shall be open to the public. The district authority shall be
561	deemed an agency or district authority of the county for
562	purposes of section 286.011, Florida Statutes, the "Government
563	in the Sunshine" law. Voting members of the Board of Supervisors
564	shall be deemed to be local officers for the purposes of section
565	112.3145(3), Florida Statutes, requiring disclosure of their
566	financial interests. These statements of financial interests
567	shall be filed with the Lee County Supervisor of Elections and
568	available for public inspection. In addition to the foregoing,
569	the district authority shall comply with the requirements of
570	section 189.417, Florida Statutes, regarding notice of meetings
571	which shall be deemed to supersede any inconsistent provisions
572	of this section in the event of conflict.
573	(8)  The district authority shall appoint an executive
574	director who shall serve at the pleasure of the district
575	authority. In addition to the appointment of an executive
576	director, the district authority may contract for all or part of
577	such services with any third party, including the clerk.
578	(9)  Each member of the Board of Supervisors shall serve
579	without compensation; however, supervisors shall receive travel
580	and per diem expenses as set forth in section 112.061, Florida
581	Statutes, when traveling on official business for the district
582	authority.
583	(10)  A board member may be removed for cause by the
584	Governor.
585	Section 6.  POWERS AND DUTIES OF DISTRICT AUTHORITY.-The
586	district authority shall have the following powers and duties,
587	in addition to and supplementing other powers granted in this
588	act and powers granted to authorities by general law:
589	(1)  To construct, install, erect, acquire, operate,
590	maintain, improve, extend, enlarge, or reconstruct a bridge,
591	causeway, and road system within the jurisdictional boundaries
592	of the district authority and the environs thereof and to have
593	the exclusive control and jurisdiction thereof, to borrow money
594	and issue bonds to pay all or part of the costs of such
595	construction, reconstruction, erection, acquisition, or
596	installation of such bridge, causeway, or road system or to
597	refund any indebtedness of the district authority. All capital
598	improvements shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan of
599	the applicable local government within the meaning of part II of
600	chapter 163, Florida Statutes.
601	(2)  To regulate traffic and the use of the bridge and
602	causeway system within the district's authority's boundaries.
603	This traffic power shall be exercised concurrently with any
604	power inherent in Lee County or Charlotte County. In the event
605	of a conflict, the more stringent rule shall apply.
606	(3)  To fix, modify, charge, and collect toll rates and
607	user fees from persons for the use of the bridge and causeway
608	system at such levels as the district authority deems
609	appropriate regardless of the costs associated with the bridge
610	and causeway system; provided, however, in no event shall tolls
611	for automobiles exceed $5 per round trip for a period of 10
612	years after the effective date of this special act. The district
613	authority shall be subject to the provisions of section 338.165,
614	Florida Statutes, authorizing the continuation of tolls except
615	that the district authority may use any remaining toll revenue
616	after payments for debt service and the annual cost of
617	operation, maintenance, and improvement of the bridge and
618	causeway only for the purposes enumerated in this act.
619	(4)  To acquire in the name of the district authority by
620	purchase or gift such lands and rights and interest therein,
621	including lands under water and riparian rights, and to acquire
622	such personal property as it may deem necessary in connection
623	with the construction, reconstruction, improvement, extension,
624	installation, erection, or operation and maintenance of the
625	bridge, causeway, and road system and to hold and dispose of all
626	real and personal property under its control.
627	(5)  To exercise exclusive jurisdiction, control, and
628	supervision over the bridge and causeway system, or any part
629	thereof owned, operated, or maintained by the district authority
630	and to make and enforce such rules and regulations for the
631	maintenance and operation of the system as may be, in the
632	judgment of the district authority, necessary or desirable for
633	the efficient operation of the system or improvements in
634	accomplishing the purposes of this law.
635	(6)  To restrain, enjoin, or otherwise prevent the
636	violation of this law or of any resolution, rule, or regulation
637	adopted pursuant to the powers granted by this law.
638	(7)  To join with any other districts, municipalities,
639	towns, or other political subdivisions, public agencies, or
640	authorities in the exercise of common powers.
641	(8)  To contract with other private or public entities or
642	persons to provide services to the district authority and to
643	receive and accept from any federal or state agency grants or
644	loans for or in aid of the purposes of the district authority.
645	(9)  To enter into interlocal agreements with any
646	municipality, county, district, or political subdivision for any
647	corporate purpose of the district authority, including, but not
648	limited to, borrowing money for construction of improvements,
649	additions, or extension to the system.
650	(10)  To sue and be sued in the name of the district
651	authority, and to do all acts and things necessary or convenient
652	for the conduct of its business and the general welfare of the
653	district authority in order to carry out the powers and duties
654	provided in this act or provided in any other law applicable to
655	counties.
656	(11)  The executive director of the district authority
657	shall have the responsibility for carrying out the policies of
658	the Board of Supervisors of the district authority and keeping
659	and maintaining the seal and the records of the district
660	authority and for collecting, disbursing, investing, and
661	maintaining the funds of the district authority and such other
662	responsibilities as the board may instruct said executive
663	director to perform, provided that the district authority may
664	contract all or part of such services with any third party.
665	(12)  The district authority shall comply with the
666	provisions of sections 189.415, 189.4155, 189.416, 189.417, and
667	189.418, Florida Statutes, and other applicable provisions of
668	general law prescribed duties and responsibilities of special
669	districts. The district authority shall not be an agency for the
670	purposes of section 120.52(1), Florida Statutes.
671	(13)  The district authority may assess and impose upon
672	lands in the district ad valorem taxes of no greater than 2
673	mills of assessed value per year, as provided by this act and
674	chapter 197, Florida Statutes. The district authority may only
675	impose ad valorem taxes if both of the following conditions are
676	met:
677	(a)  Following a referendum in which a majority of the
678	electors of the district voting in the election approve of the
679	levy of ad valorem tax.
680	(b)  The district authority determines that the bridge
681	tolls being collected may be insufficient to repair, replace, or
682	maintain the bridge and causeway.
683
684	The district authority may conduct a special election, if
685	necessary, in order to seek voter approval of the ad valorem tax
686	levy.
687	(14)  The Board of Supervisors of the district authority
688	may seek from the Legislature amendments to this act from time
689	to time as they deem necessary. In addition, the Board of
690	Supervisors of the district authority may petition the
691	Legislature for dissolution and abolition of the district
692	authority if they feel another unit of government could more
693	properly exercise the functions of the district authority at
694	that time.
695	(15)  To establish reserves for debt service requirements
696	and a reserve fund for replacement and repair of the causeway
697	and other contingencies.
698	(16)  To invest moneys in all investments which are lawful
699	under the laws of the state.
700	(17)  To do all acts necessary or convenient for the
701	establishment of the district authority, the conduct of its
702	business, and the general welfare of the district authority in
703	order to carry out the powers granted herein.
704	(18)  To pledge or otherwise encumber all or any part of
705	its gross receipts as security for its bonds.
706	(19)  To exercise the right and power of eminent domain,
707	pursuant to the provisions of chapters 73 and 74, Florida
708	Statutes, over any property within the boundaries of the
709	district, except municipal, county, state, federal, or other
710	public property for the uses and purposes of the district
711	authority relating to the implementation of its powers as
712	described herein; provided such right shall only be exercised
713	over lands contiguous to or adjacent to the lands described as
714	Parcel I or Parcel II in section 2 or such other lands that
715	might be needed for the replacement or reconstruction of the
716	bridge and causeway system.
717	(20)  To impose and foreclose tax liens as provided by this
718	act and chapter 197, Florida Statutes.
719	Section 7.  BONDS.-
720	(1)  The district authority may, from time to time, issue
721	bonds to pay the costs and expenses, other than operating
722	expenses, incurred in carrying out the purposes of this act or
723	to refund revenue bonds of the district authority issued
724	pursuant to this act. In anticipation of the sale of such bonds,
725	the district authority may issue bond anticipation notes and may
726	renew the same from time to time. Such notes may be paid from
727	the revenues derived by the district authority from the proceeds
728	of sale of the bonds of the district authority in anticipation
729	of which they were issued or from such other source as shall be
730	determined by the district authority. The notes shall be issued
731	in the same manner as the bonds. Bonds and notes shall be, and
732	shall be deemed to be, for all purposes, negotiable instruments,
733	subject only to the provisions of the bonds and notes for
734	registration.
735	(2)  The bonds may be issued as serial bonds or as term
736	bonds or the district authority, in its discretion, may issue
737	bonds of both types. The district authority may issue capital
738	appreciation bonds or variable rate bonds. The bonds shall be
739	authorized by resolution of the district authority and shall
740	bear such date or dates, mature at such time or times, not
741	exceeding 40 years from their respective dates, bear interest at
742	such rate or rates, be payable at such time or times, be in such
743	denomination, be in such form, carry such registration
744	privileges, be executed in such manner, be payable from such
745	sources and in such medium or payment and at such place or
746	places, and be subject to such terms of redemption, including
747	redemption prior to maturity, as such resolution or resolutions
748	may provide. If any officer whose signature, or a facsimile of
749	whose signature, appears on any bonds or coupons ceases to be
750	such officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature
751	or facsimile shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all
752	purposes as if he or she had remained in office until the
753	delivery. The bonds or notes may be sold at public or private
754	sale for such price or prices as the district authority shall
755	determine. Pending preparation of the definitive bonds, the
756	district authority may issue interim receipts or certificates
757	which shall be exchanged for such definitive bonds. The bonds
758	may be secured by such form of credit enhancement, if any, as
759	the district authority deems appropriate. The bonds may be
760	secured by an indenture of trust or trust agreement.
761	(3)  The bonds may be validated, at the direction of the
762	district authority, pursuant to chapter 75, Florida Statutes.
763	Section 75.04(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to a
764	complaint for validation brought by the district authority.
765	Section 8.  PLEDGE OF REVENUES.-The proceeds of all bonds
766	or other obligations issued under this law and all revenues
767	derived from other operation of the system which have been
768	pledged for the payment of any bonds or other obligations
769	authorized by this law shall be applied only in accordance with
770	the proceedings authorizing the issuance of any such bonds or
771	other obligations. The district authority may provide that the
772	moneys or the funds and accounts established by the proceedings
773	authorizing issuance of any revenue bonds shall be subject to
774	the lien of the pledge established by the proceedings without
775	any physical delivery thereof and the lien of the pledge shall
776	be valid and binding as against all parties bringing claims of
777	any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the district
778	authority.
779	Section 9.  COVENANTS OF DISTRICT AUTHORITY WITH
780	BONDHOLDERS.-In addition to other provisions and requirements of
781	this law, any resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or
782	any other obligations issued hereunder may contain provisions
783	and the district authority is authorized to provide and may
784	covenant and agree with the several holders of such bonds or
785	other obligations as to:
786	(1)  Limitations on the powers of the district authority to
787	construct, acquire, or operate or permit the construction,
788	acquisition, or operation of any structures, facilities, or
789	properties which may compete or tend to compete with the system.
790	(2)  Subject to this law, the manner and order of priority
791	of the disposition of revenues or redemption of any bonds or
792	other obligations.
793	(3)  Terms and conditions for modification or amendment of
794	the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or other
795	obligations.
796	(4)  Provisions as to the appointment of a receiver of the
797	system on default of principal or interest on any such bonds or
798	other obligations or the breach of any covenant or condition of
799	the resolution authorizing such bonds or other obligations.
800	(5)  Provisions as to the maintenance of the system and
801	reasonable insurance thereof.
802	(6)  Any other matters necessary to secure the bonds and
803	the payment of the principal and interest thereof.
804	(7)  All such provisions of the resolution shall constitute
805	valid and legally binding contracts between the district
806	authority and several holders of any such bonds and shall be
807	enforceable by any such holder or holders by mandamus or other
808	appropriate action, suit, or proceeding in law or in equity in
809	any court of competent jurisdiction.
810	Section 10.  PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF ISSUANCE OF BONDS.-
811	Prior to the issuance of bonds or other obligations, the
812	district authority may, in its discretion, publish a notice at
813	least once in a newspaper or newspapers published and circulated
814	in Charlotte and Lee Counties stating the date of adoption of
815	the resolution authorizing such obligations, and the amount,
816	maximum rate of interest, and maturity of such obligations and
817	the purpose in general terms for which such obligations are to
818	be issued.
819	Section 11.  BOND; QUALITIES OR NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS;
820	RIGHTS OF HOLDERS.-All bonds issued hereunder shall not be
821	invalid for any irregularity or defect in the proceedings for
822	the issuance and sale thereof and shall be incontestable in the
823	hands of a bona fide purchaser for value. No proceedings in
824	respect to the issuance of such bonds shall be necessary except
825	such as are required by this act, by section 189.4085, Florida
826	Statutes, and by section 189.408, Florida Statutes. The
827	provisions of this act shall constitute an irrevocable contract
828	between the district authority and the holders of any such bonds
829	or coupons thereof issued pursuant to the provisions hereof. Any
830	holder of such bonds may either at law or in equity, by suit,
831	action, or mandamus, enforce and compel the performance of the
832	duties required by this act or of any of the officers or persons
833	herein mentioned in relation to said bonds, or the levy,
834	collection, and enforcement and application of the revenues, or
835	other funds pledged for the payment of the principal and
836	interest thereof.
837	Section 12.  BUDGET; REPORTS AND REVIEW.-
838	(1)  The district authority shall provide financial reports
839	in such form and in such manner as prescribed pursuant to this
840	act, chapter 218, and sections 189.418 and 11.45, Florida
841	Statutes.
842	(2)  The fiscal year for the district authority shall
843	commence on October July 1 of each calendar year and shall
844	conclude on September June 30 of each calendar year. On or
845	before June 1, the executive director shall prepare a proposed
846	budget for the ensuing fiscal year to be submitted to the board
847	for board approval. The proposed budget shall include, at the
848	direction of the board, an estimate of all necessary
849	expenditures of the district authority for the ensuing fiscal
850	year and an estimate of income to the district authority from
851	all sources of revenue provided in this act. The board shall
852	consider the proposed budget and may either approve the budget
853	as proposed by the manager or modify the same in part or in
854	whole.
855	(3)  The board shall cause to be made at least once a year
856	a comprehensive report of its system, including all matters
857	relating to expansions, acquisitions, rates, revenues, expenses
858	of maintenance, repair, and operation of the renewals and
859	capital replacements, principal and interest requirements, and
860	the status of all funds and accounts. Copies of such reports
861	shall be filed with the clerk and shall be open to public
862	inspection. The report shall be known as the annual audit report
863	and shall be issued by a certified public accountant appointed
864	by the board. The annual audit report may be included as a part
865	of any other report required by law or may be issued separately.
866	Section 13.  DISTRICT AUTHORITY BONDS AS INVESTMENTS FOR
867	PUBLIC BODIES.-All bonds issued pursuant to this act shall be
868	and constitute legal investments for state, county, municipal,
869	and all other public funds and for banks, savings banks,
870	insurance companies, executors, administrators, trustees, and
871	all other fiduciaries and shall also be and constitute
872	securities eligible as collateral security for all state,
873	county, municipal, or other public funds, subject to the
874	restrictions and limitations of chapters 18, 136, 237, 518, 655,
875	657, 658, and 660 through 665, Florida Statutes.
876	Section 14.  BONDS AS PAYMENT FOR SERVICES.-The district
877	authority is authorized to enter into agreements for the
878	delivery of any bonds at one time or from time to time, as full
879	or partial payment for the services of any engineer or work done
880	by any contractor who may have been retained or hired or been
881	awarded a contract for the construction of all or any part of
882	the system. However, any such bonds so delivered for payment of
883	such services or work performed shall have been authorized and
884	issued in the manner provided in this act and shall otherwise
885	conform to the provisions hereof.
886	Section 15.  CONTRACTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS;
887	SEALED BIDS.-All contracts let, awarded, or entered into by the
888	district authority for the construction, reconstruction, or
889	improvements to the system or any part thereof, if the amount
890	thereof shall exceed $20,000, except for emergency repairs,
891	shall be awarded only after public advertisement and call for
892	sealed bids therefor, in a newspaper published and circulated in
893	Lee and Charlotte Counties, such advertisement to be published
894	at least once at least 3 weeks before the date set for the
895	receipt of such bids. Such advertisements for bids, in addition
896	to the other necessary and pertinent matters, shall state in
897	general terms, the nature and description of the improvement or
898	improvements to be undertaken and shall state that detailed
899	plans and specifications for such work are on file for
900	inspection in the office of the district authority and copies
901	thereof shall be furnished to any interested party upon payment
902	of reasonable charges to reimburse the district authority for
903	its expenses in providing such copies. The award shall be made
904	to the responsible and competent bidder or bidders who shall
905	offer to undertake the improvements at the lowest costs to the
906	district authority and such bidder or bidders shall be required
907	to file bond for the full and faithful performance of such work
908	and the execution of any such contract in such amount as the
909	district authority shall determine, and in all other respects
910	the letting of such construction contracts shall comply with
911	applicable provisions of the general laws relating to the
912	letting of public contracts. All purchases or expenditures of
913	supplies, materials, and equipment in excess of $10,000 shall be
914	made from the best of bids which are timely submitted. Nothing
915	in this section shall be deemed to prevent the district
916	authority from hiring or retaining such engineers, attorneys,
917	financial experts, or other technicians as it shall determine,
918	in its discretion, or from undertaking any construction work
919	with its own resources, without any such public advertisement.
920	Section 16.  CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY WITHOUT CONSIDERATION.-
921	Any municipality, political subdivision, agency, or district
922	authority shall be authorized to sell, lease, grant, or convey
923	any real or personal property to the district authority and any
924	such sale, grant, lease, or conveyance may be made without
925	formal consideration.
926	Section 17.  PRIVILEGES, IMMUNITIES, AND EXEMPTIONS.-The
927	district authority shall have all privileges, immunities, and
928	exemptions accorded political subdivisions of this state under
929	the provisions of the constitution and laws of the state.
930	Neither the members of the district authority nor any person
931	executing any contract or obligation on its behalf shall be
932	personally liable or accountable thereon or by reason thereof.
933	Section 18.  EXEMPTION FROM SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS.-The
934	accomplishment of the authorized purposes of the district
935	authority created hereunder is, shall, and will be in all
936	respects for the benefit of the people of the state for the
937	increase of their commerce and prosperity and for the
938	improvement of their health and living conditions. Since the
939	district authority will perform essential governmental functions
940	in accomplishing such purpose, the district authority shall not
941	be required to pay any taxes or assessments of any kind or
942	nature whatsoever upon any property acquired or used by it for
943	such purposes or upon any revenues at any time received by it.
944	Section 19.  TAX DELINQUENCY, PENALTIES, AND ENFORCEMENT OF
945	TAXES.-All taxes provided for in this act shall be and become
946	delinquent and bear penalties on the amount of said taxes in the
947	same manner as county taxes. Said tax shall be a lien until paid
948	on the property against which assessed and enforceable in like
949	manner as county taxes. The collection and enforcement of all
950	taxes levied by the district authority shall be at the same time
951	and in like manner as county taxes and the provisions of the
952	Florida Statutes relating to the sale of lands for unpaid and
953	delinquent county taxes, the issuance, sale, and delivery of tax
954	certificates for such unpaid and delinquent county taxes, the
955	redemption thereof, the issuance to individuals of tax deeds
956	based thereon, and all other procedures connected therewith,
957	shall be applicable to the district authority and the delinquent
958	and unpaid taxes of the district to the same extent as if said
959	statutory provisions were expressly set forth in this act. All
960	taxes shall be subject to the same discounts as county taxes.
961	Section 20.  LIENS.-All taxes provided for in this act,
962	together with all penalties for default in payment of the same
963	and all costs in collecting the same, shall, from the date of
964	assessment thereof until paid, constitute a lien of equal
965	dignity with the liens for county taxes, and other taxes of
966	equal dignity with county taxes, upon all the lands against
967	which such assessments shall be levied, assessed, and collected.
968	Section 21.  DISTRICT AUTHORITY DECISIONS REQUIRING
969	MAJORITY VOTE.-Notwithstanding any other provisions of this act,
970	decisions of the district authority dealing with the following
971	matters may only be made if approved by at least three voting
972	members of the district authority:
973	(1)  Changes to toll structure.
974	(2)  Entering into financing arrangements involving a
975	pledge of assets, toll revenues, or any ad valorem tax revenues.
976	(3)  Utilization of eminent domain provisions.
977	(4)  Approval of a plan to hold an ad valorem taxing
978	authorization referendum.
979	(5)  Approval of any plan to seek legislative changes to
980	this act.
981	Section 22.  INTERLOCAL COOPERATION.-For purposes of
982	implementing the powers and authority of the district authority
983	and assuring adequate funding for the construction, maintenance,
984	and operation of infrastructure, and to ensure the security for
985	any bonds issued by the district authority remains unimpaired,
986	said district authority is empowered to enter into interlocal
987	agreements pursuant to chapter 163, Florida Statutes, to
988	exercise jointly with any other public agency of the state or
989	Federal Government any power, privilege, or authority which such
990	agencies or the district might exercise jointly.
991	Section 23.  PROPERTY APPRAISER, TAX COLLECTOR, FEES, OR
992	COMMISSIONS.-The offices of the Lee County or Charlotte County
993	Property Appraiser and Tax Collector shall be entitled to
994	applicable fees and costs for the levy and collection of ad
995	valorem taxes and non-ad valorem assessments pursuant to ss.
996	197.3632 and 192.091, Florida Statutes.
997	Section 2.  This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.