An amendment by Rep. Galvano was adopted Friday to create the Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Authority (replaces current T Bay Commuter Authority). The jurisdiction includes Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk and Citrus counties. The Authority would be comprised of citizens as voting members appointed by the BCCs and MPOs and non voting members to include District Secretaries of relevant districts and members elected by the local transit authorities in the eight counties.

The purpose is to improve mobility and expand transportation options in the Tampa Bay region. The Authority may construct certain roads and enter into agreements with private entities to construct, operate, own or finance transportation facilities. Tolls and bonding authority are primary financial resources (no taxing authority). Staff is reviewing the language including provisions as to how this entity relates to existing entities, particularly references that "supersede" all other state and local laws.

Senator Sebesta is filing a variation of this amendment on the Senate side tommorow in committee (SB 1766). It will create a Tampa Bay Regional Transportation Planning Authority to develop a regional transportation plan for Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota Counties. membership includes reps of MPO, District Secretary, reps. of the various transportation entities in the counties including airports, ports and rail lines, as well as a rep of the Tampa Bay Partnership, and the chair of the Tampa Bay Area Legislative delegation. The amendment also allows other urban areas to create regional transportation planning authorities and amends TRIP funding to allow a 75% match for RTPA projects.

Charter County Preemption: Tomorrow SB 1608 by Senator Bennett is scheduled in the Senate Judiciary Committee. It was held over from last week on a motion to reconsider after first passing the committee the FAC compromise amendment introduced by Senator Baker. The bill may be voted up or down, pass as a committee substitute (CS) with the amendment, or if not taken it up--automatically go forth as is, with the Baker amendment traveling with the bill.

In the House, Rep. Russell, Chair of the State Infrastructure Council, did not put HB 949 on the agenda last Friday. As you recall the bill was workshopped last Wednesday in that committee, the County position effectively put forth by Commissioner Mercier and others. Reportedly the Chair is will not let this bill out of the Council-seemingly killing it in the House. However the fate of the Senate bill and the amendment process may keep the issue alive until the end of session.

Cable franchise bills: Up today in the Senate Community Affairs Committee, an amendment was filed by Senator Bennett to replace the Senate bill with HB 1199 by Rep. Traviesa. However, SB 900 by Senator Constantine was passed without amendment. Unlike HB 1199 which preempts local authority, this bill keeps the process local and provides certain standards. Senator Bennett spoke in support of his strike-all amendment and then withdrew it prior to a vote. HB 1199 is on the House Commerce Council agenda tomorrow.

Impact Fee legislation: SB 1196 by Sen. Constantine passed the.Senate Ways and Means Committee today with the compromise credit language in tact. However, the provisions removing the cap on the Sadowski funds were removed. It was apparent from the Committee discussion that we can expect an amendment to be filed on the Senate Floor (next stop) inserting the House credit language into the bill. HB 1431 by Rep. Cretul as amended last week requires local governments to give credits against impact fees for taxes and other payments.

Property Tax exemptions: HJR 353 by Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and SJR 1840 by Senator Harridopolos which propose to double the local option homestead exemption both passed committees of reference last week.