SB96 Summary

• Authorizes county commissions to enter into contracts with municipalities within or outside the state for acquiring funds, services, materials, and other benefits for public development purposes.

• Clarifies conflict-of-interest provisions by prohibiting county commissioners and their associated businesses from being party to non-competitively bid contracts, and prohibits awarding contracts to persons related by blood or marriage within the fourth degree to a commissioner.

• Allows counties to self-fund property insurance through liability self-insurance funds formed by two or more counties pooling resources to cover damages from negligent or wrongful acts of county employees and officers.

• Requires municipalities that annex unincorporated territory to assume responsibility for maintaining county-maintained streets and roads in the annexed area, with specific provisions for evacuation routes which cannot be annexed without mutual agreement.

• Expands bonding requirements for emergency communication district employees, board members, and directors with bonds ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 based on district funds received.