Short title and purpose.

(1) Sections 527.20-527.23 may be cited as the “Florida Propane Gas Education, Safety, and Research Act.”

(2) It is the finding of the Legislature that:

(a) Educating propane gas producers, distributors, and consumers about propane gas and about the mechanical, technical, and safety practices related to propane gas and propane gas equipment furthers the public interest by reducing accidents and improving safety.

(b) Improved and increased marketing of propane gas will increase the consumption and use of propane gas, thereby furthering the public interest by creating additional employment opportunities in the state and expanding revenue.

(3) The purposes of the act are to:

(a) Establish the Florida Propane Gas Education, Safety, and Research Council to study problems arising in the production, transportation, marketing, and use of propane gas and to formulate and provide to the commissioner recommendations and policy alternatives. The council is to investigate, research, study, or perform other activities in order to advance the safety, efficiency, desirability, usage, and marketability of propane gas and propane gas use equipment.

(b) Provide for education of propane gas producers, distributors, and consumers about:

1. Propane gas and its uses;

2. Safety issues related to propane gas and the mechanical, technical, and safety practices related to propane gas and propane gas equipment; and

3. Other issues related to propane gas which the council determines would be beneficial to producers, distributors, and consumers.

(c) Provide a method of funding for the activities established in the act.