Danny Federico
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
House Bill 4079, a proposal seeking to dissolve the Town of White Springs government and transfer its "assets and legitimate liabilities to Hamilton County," was officially filed on Friday, March 7, by Representative Jason Shoaf. The bill is now under review in the Florida House of Representatives' Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee.
The proposed legislation repeals multiple chapters of Florida law that have governed White Springs since its incorporation in 1897. If passed, the bill would abolish the town as a municipality and place its financial and administrative responsibilities under the jurisdiction of Hamilton County.
The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee, where HB 4079 is currently being reviewed, is a legislative body that examines bills affecting the relationships between local, state and federal governments. Its responsibilities include reviewing municipal dissolutions, annexations and other governmental restructuring proposals.
The next step in the legislative process will depend on the subcommittee's review. If the bill advances, it will be sent to additional committees before reaching the House for a vote. If approved by the House, the bill would then move to the Florida Senate for consideration. Should both chambers pass the measure, it would be sent to the governor to be signed into law.
If enacted, HB 4079 would take effect immediately upon being signed into law, officially dissolving the White Springs Town Council and integrating its functions into Hamilton County's governance. White Springs would retain its name, but would become an unincorporated town similar to Day, Dowling Park, McAlpin, O'Brien and Wellborn.
To view HB 4079, visit www.flsenate.gov and type 4079 in the "Go to Bill" search bar in the top left corner of the webpage.