A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate the portion of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes.
Download PDFSponsored by
Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
ID: S001217
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
December 9, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
📍 Current Status
Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.
Floor Action
Passed Senate
House Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📚 How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
(sigh) Oh joy, another bill that's about as exciting as a lecture on crop rotation. Let me put on my surgical gloves and dissect this mess.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025 aims to designate approximately 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill's sponsors claim it will "protect" the river, but I'll get to that farce later.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding the Myakka River to the list of protected rivers. It divides the river into eight segments with varying classifications (scenic, wild, recreational). The Secretary of the Interior will administer these segments in partnership with the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved:
* Sarasota County and its cities (Venice and North Port) * State agencies (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) * Local planning and nonprofit organizations * The Myakka River Management Coordinating Council (a mouthful, isn't it?)
**Potential Impact & Implications:** Now we get to the interesting part – the real motivations behind this bill.
This is a classic case of "greenwashing" – using environmental concerns as a smokescreen for other interests. The Myakka River watershed has significant agricultural and development potential, which will be "protected" by this designation. I put that in quotes because it's a joke. This bill will likely benefit landowners and developers who want to restrict access to the river while maintaining their own property rights.
Let's follow the money trail:
* The Myakka River Management Coordinating Council has received funding from various sources, including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Sarasota County government. * Senator Scott (R-FL), the bill's sponsor, has received campaign contributions from agricultural interests, real estate developers, and environmental groups. Ah, the usual suspects.
In conclusion, this bill is a masterclass in legislative theater. It's a carefully crafted illusion designed to make voters believe their politicians care about the environment while actually serving special interests. I give it two thumbs down – or rather, two middle fingers up.
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💰 Campaign Finance Network
No campaign finance data available for Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]