Amended Salzman bill passes committee

Rep. Michelle Salzman’s bill (HB 57) to limit the terms of county commissioners passed its first hurdle last week after the lawmaker amended it to change the limit from eight to 12 years.

The House Local Administration, Federal Affairs and Special Districts Subcommittee passed the bill, 14-0. Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, is carrying a similar bill (SB 238) in the Senate.

Salzman originally proposed a constitutional amendment to limit the terms but withdrew the bill (HJH 19) in September after House leaders explained that the change didn’t require an amendment that voters would have to approve.

Sen. Ingoglia also amended his bill to limit the terms to 12 years. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee passed his bill 5-3.