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Senate committee advances bill to give emergency responders a "toolbox" for unprovoked shark incidents
Summary
A Senate committee moved a bill forward after a motion to report it favorably passed on a roll call. Sponsors said the measure would create a set of options for emergency professionals to use in the event of unprovoked shark attacks near shore; the measure was described as having attracted an amendment and support from conservation staff.
A Senate committee advanced a bill that sponsors said would provide emergency professionals with additional options to respond to unprovoked shark attacks near shore after a motion to report the measure favorably passed on a roll call.
Committee members said the bill is intended to give responders a practical "toolbox" of measures. "All this bill is doing is allowing a toolbox for professionals ... emergency professionals to be able to use. If there's been an unprovoked shark attack in close proximity to shore, that's what the bill ... did," the committee member carrying the measure said.
The sponsor's remarks thanked Sharlana Skaggs of the Department of Conservation and said a person named Charlotta drafted the bill and the amendment that has been attached. The sponsor also referenced U.S. Sen. Katie Britt in explaining related activity at the federal level.
Senator Hovey moved to report the bill favorably; the motion received a second and a roll call was conducted. Senators who registered aye during the roll call include Senator Cornley, Senator Chestine, Senator Coleman, Senator Gavann, Senator Hatcher, Senator Hovey and Senator Melson. After the roll call, a committee member said, "We'll get it reported out tomorrow."
The transcript does not include the bill number or the full text of the amendment. Committee staff and the sponsor described the measure in general terms as providing authorities and options for emergency responders during close-to-shore unprovoked shark incidents; specific operational details and statutory language were not stated on the record.
The committee proceeded to other items after the vote; the bill was described on the record as having attracted an amendment and being "in a really good spot," according to the sponsor.
Votes at a glance: Motion to report the bill favorably — moved by Senator Hovey; second not specified; recorded ayes listed above; outcome: reported out (to be formally reported tomorrow), per the committee record.
