The Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 21 unanimously approved the county’s proposed 2026 legislative priorities and authorized staff to pursue a local bill related to compensation for off‑site inmate medical services.

Kathy Copeland, communications and legislative affairs manager, briefed the board on likely state items for the coming session, stressing that property tax reform is a major focus at the state level and that many bills are in early stages. Copeland said county priorities will include completing and seeking funding for septic‑to‑sewer conversions (including requests for flexibility and help for homeowners), seeking appropriations for specific projects such as Exhora Park and Orchid Island Estates sewer work, and monitoring Senate Bill 180 for unintended consequences.

On the local bill, staff asked for authority to move forward with advertising and filing for a statute that would address the county’s off‑site inmate medical costs. Copeland said Representative Brackett has agreed to sponsor a local bill modeled on language used by Martin County and St. Lucie County that mirrors state Department of Corrections provisions, with the goal of limiting exposure to off‑site medical costs and preventing monopolistic pricing by nearby providers.

Commissioners discussed the need to stay engaged with state associations and legislative delegations as bills evolve. Several commissioners urged staff to participate in drafting fixes to SB 180 where it has produced unintended consequences. The board also approved staff’s recommended appropriations requests and the county’s general legislative principles, which include home rule, opposition to unfunded mandates and support for fully funding state grant programs.

The board authorized staff to seek the local bill and to proceed with the advertised legislative strategy for 2026; commissioners noted the legislative delegation meeting scheduled for Oct. 22 (the transcript records a local delegation meeting the morning after the Oct. 21 board meeting).