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Florida Legislature has many hurricane issues to consider

Posted at 8:36 AM, Jan 16, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-16 08:36:31-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)-- State lawmakers will meet on Tuesday to consider changes for how the state handles hurricanes. 

The proposals range from making evacuations more efficient to helping the devastated citrus industry. The 60-day session opened last Tuesday with the House of Representatives and Senate taking different approaches.

The House is concentrating on storm preparations and recovery efforts while the Senate is focusing on economic damage.

House Speaker Richard Corcoran formed a select committee on hurricanes last September, after Irma. According to WPTV, some of the changes include lowering the cost of premium gas if regular is out. 

To get gas down to South Florida, the state can also optimize railroads to carry tankers. Another idea is to give transportation companies incentives to move gas, like a fuel tax reduction. They could install GPS in tanks, so they can be tracked in real-time. 

The 21-member committee will vote on nearly 80 recommendations to refer to committees for legislation.