Rep. Gossett-Seidman scores four bills, secures funding priorities in 2024 Legislative Session
HIGHLAND BEACH, Fla. – Rep. Peggy Gossett-Seidman, R-Highland Beach, highlighted her 2024 Legislative Session accomplishments, which include the passage of four of her bills and securing $4.9 million in state funding.
Gossett-Seidman, among her victories, championed HB 117. The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, provides opening to the Jeffrey Epstein files sealed in Palm Beach County.
“The public and the victims have a right to know,” Gossett-Seidman said. “Epstein could have been stopped right here in Palm Beach County 18 years ago.”
Gossett-Seidman also helped spearhead HB 165 along with Rep. Lindsay Cross, R-St. Petersburg. The legislation, which would take effect July 1, addresses bacterial exposure from sewage and other pollutants dumping into Florida’s waterways.
“With breakages of wastewater pipes and septic tanks, and other pollutants, this bipartisan bill by ‘water women warriors’ stands as a crucial step toward safeguarding our oceans, canals, aquifers and vital resources of our drinking water,” Gossett-Seidman said.
HB 165 also notifies the public to issues and warnings, and gives alerts to beach closures within 24 hours of detecting safety issues. The comprehensive statewide system would be administered through the Florida Department of Health.
“We need one central reporting method such as 911, maybe 462 symbolizing H2O,” Gossett-Seidman said. “People need to know when to find another activity if the beach is contaminated.”
Gossett-Seidman further introduced HB 135 with Rep. Mike Caruso, R-Delray Beach. The bill, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2025, addresses the issue of voter registration glitches. Specifically, the legislation prevents the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles from changing voters’ party affiliations without their knowledge.
She also co-introduced HR 9-C with Rep. Kathrine Waldron, D-Wellington. The resolution, adopted unanimously 108-0, expresses support to Israel and its people following the Oct. 7, 2023 terrorist attack by Hamas. American Jews are heavily represented in South Florida, with as much as 650,000 living in the region.
Overall, Gossett-Seidman has secured $10 million in state funding for District 91. The area includes all of Boca Raton, Highland Beach, and Southwestern Palm Beach County.
Gossett-Seidman, a freshman member of the House, has helped pass nine bills in her first term. She also is running currently unopposed for reelection in the Republican primary scheduled for Aug. 20. The general election will occur on Nov. 5.
