TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Legislature passed a final version of a bill that would allow the state fire marshal to create new rules regarding the storage of lithium-ion batteries, something a News 6 investigation showed is sorely needed in the state.
The Florida Senate took a final vote Wednesday on HB 989 and passed the bill 39-1, sending it to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
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The bill is a package of rule changes related to the Florida Department of Financial Services, and tucked in the bill is the rule that allows for the creation of a state standard regarding safely storing and charging lithium-ion batteries.
A News 6 investigation last September exposed there were no state regulations for safely storing or charging the batteries, increasing the risk of fire.
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“It scares the daylights out of me,” State Fire Marshal Director JoAnne Rice told News 6 in September. “It is a fire that burns hotter and faster than any fire we’ve ever seen, and we don’t have the tools.”
The bill was supported by Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, who wants to see rules created for the proper storage and charging of lithium-ion batteries, as well as safety measures and tools for firefighters in the event of a fire.
Patronis credited News 6′s investigation with bringing these issues to the forefront.
“I can’t tell you how many things that you all put a spotlight on -- we get interested in something, but when you turn up the volume on it, it creates a whole new sense of urgency,” he said. “You are an amazing partner when it comes to developing policy, but more importantly, getting that policy executed and becoming what we need to be addressing. Whether it be cancer coverage, PTSD for our first responders, you all have been an amazing, amazing partner through all this.”
The Florida Department of Financial Services handles a broad range of government issues. Among the provisions in the bill include provisions to create a tax liaison to help Floridians with federal tax issues, make changes to rules for insurance adjusters, make changes regarding the storage of human remains, and also allow the state fire marshal to establish fire safety standards for food trucks and adopt standards for fireworks.
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