CS/CS/HB 1445 Summary

• Authorizes the Citrus County Hospital Board to create an irrevocable community foundation or trust to manage proceeds from leasing the hospital to a private for-profit entity, with proceeds restricted to medically related needs of Citrus County citizens and residents.

• Requires the governing body of any such community trust or foundation to include at least two citizen members elected on a nonpartisan, countywide basis for 4-year terms (with initial staggered terms), with elections conducted by the Supervisor of Elections upon the board's request.

• Mandates that the community trust or foundation comply with all disclosure, accountability, ethics, and government-in-the-sunshine requirements applicable to governmental entities and be subject to audit authority of the Clerk of the Court for Citrus County.

• Expands the board's authority to enter into leases or contracts with any Florida corporation (not limited to nonprofits) for operating and managing the hospital and its facilities.

• Effective date: October 15, 2014, with applicability to leases entered into after January 1, 2014.