Committee backs SB 382 strike‑all to create e‑bike task force, require crash reporting and pedestrian protections

Senator Trudeau presented a strike‑all substitute for SB 382, which replaces enforcement provisions with a study and data‑collection approach. The measure would create an e‑bike task force chaired by the DHSMV executive director (or designee) with named stakeholder seats (Sheriffs Association, Police Chiefs Association, electric‑bicycle industry, Florida League of Cities, Florida Association of Counties, medical experts, and injury‑prevention organizations). Appointments must be made within 15 days of the bill becoming law and the task force shall convene no later than 30 days after the effective date, meet monthly, hold regional meetings (North, Central, South Florida), and terminate by Oct. 1, 2026.

The substitute retains several operational rules: operators must yield to pedestrians on shared pathways and provide an audible signal before passing, and an operator may not exceed 10 miles per hour when a pedestrian is within 50 feet. Failure to comply is treated as a noncriminal traffic infraction under Chapter 318. The bill requires law‑enforcement agencies to maintain crash‑report lists with specified fields (date/time, vehicle class, operator age, license status) and obligates sheriff and police departments to submit reports to DHSMV by Oct. 15, 2026; DHSMV will compile a summary report to the governor and legislative leaders.

Committee members asked how the 10‑mph rule applies to sidewalks versus multiuse paths and how officers would enforce speed limits without speedometers. Senator Trudeau said the rule should apply to any shared path, enforcement will rely on officer judgment and education rather than radar for every rider, and industry stakeholders will participate in the task force. Senators also raised equity concerns: members emphasized avoiding licensing or other measures that would create barriers for seniors and low‑income residents who rely on e‑bikes for mobility.

After debate emphasizing data collection, education and balancing safety with access, the committee reported the committee substitute for SB 382 favorably by roll call.