CS/CS/CS/HB 107 - Special Districts

• Revises merger and dissolution procedures for dependent special districts, requiring that those created by special act be merged or dissolved only by the Legislature unless otherwise provided by general law.

• Establishes procedures for voluntary merger of two or more contiguous independent special districts, including joint merger plans initiated by governing bodies or qualified elector initiatives requiring 40 percent petition signatures.

• Requires merger referenda to be approved by a majority of votes in each component district, with merged districts initially limited to existing powers and revenue authorities until Legislature approves a unified charter.

• Allows involuntary merger of active independent special districts by the Legislature at separate referenda of impacted local governments, and permits dissolution of inactive districts by special act without referendum.

• Effective date is July 1, 2012.