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Hillsborough students' driver eye tests bill fails

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published May 6, 2006

A lesson about trying to get a law passed: It's not easy.

A group of students from three Hillsborough County high schools this year researched, wrote, presented and lobbied a bill to require people renewing drivers' licenses to prove their vision was good.

It seemed like a good idea to them. But there's more to passing a bill than having a seemingly good idea, and their bill didn't get through the Legislature.

"We were almost there," said Rep. Kevin Ambler, R-Lutz, who sponsored their bill. "But that's part of what we're teaching - it's difficult to get a bill through."

The bill would have required drivers to renew in person and get an eye exam, or provide a doctor's note attesting to good sight if renewing by mail or on the Internet. Currently, most drivers can renew by Internet or through the mail twice, which means they can go up to 18 years without an eye exam.

BABCOCK RANCH: Lawmakers late Friday ticked the giant Babcock Ranch off Florida's shopping list, approving the $310-million purchase of 74,000 acres in southwest Florida. The land, made up of forests and wetlands, is home to numerous animal and bird species. Officials envision keeping it undeveloped for wildlife habitat and recreation. The Senate stripped out a provision in the House bill (HB 1347) that would have allowed continued harvesting of cypress trees.

SINKHOLES: Homeowners can choose different deductibles for sinkhole insurance coverage to lower their premiums under a bill (HB 217) the Senate passed unanimously and sent to the governor. The measure allows a 1, 2, 5, or 10 percent deductible. Sinkhole claims have hit Pasco and Hernando counties particularly hard.

DRINK TAX: The House gave final passage to a bill (HB 7105) eliminating taxes on drinks sold at bars, effective next year.

[Last modified May 6, 2006, 02:00:14]