The Jacksonville City Council Finance Committee approved legislation Tuesday to streamline the permitting process for special events.Two other committees passed the bill on Monday. The legislation heads to the full council next week.
Mayor Alvin Brown sponsored the bill after event promoters said regulations were too burdensome. The legislation allows quicker approval of event permits and modifies insurance regulations.
The legislation also ends the requirement that special event applicants to assume full liability for damages or legal claims. Instead applicants will waive any right to hold the city liable except for willful acts of damage.
Jacksonville risk management director Twane Duckworth said the new legislation also ends the possibility an event could be shut down because one vendor have it's insurance agreement with the city.
President of Client Focused Media Mike White said streamlining the permitting process will make it a lot easier to put on events in Jacksonville.
You can follow Kevin Meerschaert on Twitter @KMeerschaertJax.
