Boards of water and sewer commissions; prohibited from restricting public recreational uses of controlled water bodies

HB 473 amends existing law concerning boards of water and sewer commissioners. This bill prohibits these boards from restricting public recreational uses of water bodies they own or control, unless they can demonstrate a substantial public interest for doing so at a public hearing. The public must receive at least 10 days' notice before such a hearing. Emergency restrictions are permitted for 90 days, after which a public hearing is required, and all restrictions can be appealed to a circuit court. This measure specifically applies to navigable waterways within 50 miles of the Gulf of America that serve as sources of drinking water.