In 2002, State Rep. Holly Benson sponsored a bill – that was passed by the legislature – that exempted clay pits in Escambia County from having to be enclosed (See Clay Pit Bill).
May, 2006: Eddie Dubose, 41, of Selma, N.C., drowned in a clay pit in northern Escambia County.
Reps. Dave Murzin and Greg Evers are co-sponsoring a bill in this session (See HB 993 ) that repeals Benson’s bill.
It’s incredible that Benson would so ignore public safety, but kudos to Murzin and Evers for fixing this problem.
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Meanwhile, new state Rep Clay Ford has two local bills in the House:
HB 1601 General Pension and Retirement Fund of the City of Pensacola, Escambia County: Repeals codification of act creating fund & subsequent amendatory acts thereto. Passed unanimously by Committee on Urban & Local Affairs Location on 3/21/07.
HB 1602 City of Pensacola: Repeals obsolete chapter laws relating to acceptance of gifts, extraterritorial industrial plant projects, work periods for firefighters & police officers, transportation for hire, gas & petroleum tax, honorary mayor, annexed districts, transportation regulation, & employee group insurance. Passed unanimously by Committee on Urban & Local Affairs Location on 3/21/07.