Committee backs bill requiring searchable local budgets and 14‑day posting window

Representative Benaroche presented CS for HB 1329, a bill to modernize local budget transparency requirements. The measure would extend the required online posting window from two to 14 days before a public hearing, require searchable and accessible budget formats (rather than static PDFs), and increase online retention of final budgets and amendments from two to five years. The bill also requires a 10% 'budget‑cutting exercise' before final adoption, described by the sponsor as an analytical exercise rather than a mandate to cut essential services (Representative Benaroche).

Ranked members and local officials pressed on estimated costs and whether smaller jurisdictions can comply. Representative Cheney offered and the committee adopted an amendment to carve out smaller counties and cities and provide a hardship procedure; the amendment also required the submission of historic spending trends for those carved‑out jurisdictions. Representatives and witnesses cited existing tools (EDR/DFS/AFR platforms) and proposed options such as linking to state portals to limit duplication. Sam Wagner of the Florida League of Cities and other local government representatives warned of vendor and implementation costs ranging from tens of thousands per locality; several witnesses recommended grants or a state‑assisted implementation path (Sam Wagner).

Committee members debated the policy tradeoffs between transparency and possible unfunded mandates for small jurisdictions. After adopting amendments, the committee reported the bill favorably (17 yays, 6 nays). The bill now moves to the House calendar for floor consideration.