Capital to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report, Monday, June 12, 2017
Jun 12, 2017
Florida Legal Insurance Launches Bringing Affordable Legal Services to Floridians
Florida Legal is a Nonprofit Legal Insurance Organization now operating across the State of Florida and founded with a vision to ensure that all Floridians have affordable access to quality Legal Representation and Assistance with their Legal Needs.
Jax Councilman: Abandoned Mobile Homes Used as “Trap Houses”
City Bill 2017-432 would allow for the removal of Mobile Homes and other Modular Structures that aren’t connected to Utilities on the grounds of being a “Public Nuisance”. A.G. Gancarski reports for FloridaPolitics.com.
Doctors Win in Florida “Docs vs. Glocks” Legal Tussle
The State last month did not Appeal a Federal Court Ruling striking down major parts of the 2011 Law dubbed with that name. That decision came six years after Florida Lawmakers passed the measure, which tried to stop Doctors from asking Patients about their Guns. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA’s Dara Kam reports via the Orlando Sentinel.
Florida Blue Plans to Stay in ACA Marketplace
The Nonprofit Insurance Company expects to remain in the Marketplace in 2018, even though the future of Obamacare and its Subsidies are still unclear. Officials told the Orlando Sentinel.
Three-Day Legislative Session Wraps Up, Governor Pleased
After a 2017 Legislative Session that saw Governor Rick Scott get little of what he wanted, the Governor fared significantly better at the end of a Three-Day Special Session that ended on Friday. RJ Roan reports for the Lee Herald.
· Governor Scott’s Line-Item Revenge?
· Special Session Ends After Florida Legislature Approves Deal
· Governor to Sign HB 7069 in Orlando on Thursday
Florida Legislature Finally Passes Medical Marijuana Bill
Both Chambers reached Agreement on Wednesday that there would be a Cap of 25 Dispensaries per Medical Marijuana Treatment Center and that there wouldn’t be a sales tax. The Bill still bans smoking despite Amendment supporters saying it is written into the language. The Associated Press reports via WTLV.
· Attorney Plans Lawsuit to Allow for Smoking of Medical Pot
Governor Scott Signs “Stand Your Ground” Change
The Self-Defense Bill stemmed from a Florida Supreme Court Ruling in 2015 that said Defendants have the Burden of Proof to show they should be shielded from Prosecution under the “Stand Your Ground” Law. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via the Lee Herald.
· Scott Signs “Stand Your Ground” Change, Religious Expression in School, 14 other New Laws
Secret Balloting was Cause of Latest Speaker’s Race Rift
With Special Session firmly in the rearview mirror, the 27 Freshmen Republican Members of the Florida House are quickly turning their attention to selecting one of their own to serve as Speaker, beginning in 2022. FloridaPolitics.com Publisher Peter Schorsch reports.
If he runs in 2018, it would be for the Senate District 26 Seat how held by Denise Grimsley of Sebring. Grimsley has Filed to Run for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Service in 2018. John Chambliss reports for the Lakeland Ledger.
Professional Insurance Agents Oppose Insurance Provision in Financial CHOICE Act
The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents Opposed a Provision in the Financial Creating Hope and Opportunity for Investors, Consumers, and Entrepreneurs (CHOICE) Act that would create an Office of the Independent Insurance Advocate. The House Voted to Approve the Bill on June 8.
· House Votes to Roll Back Dodd-Frank, Eliminate SIFI Designation
N.C. Lawmakers Again Scuttle Bill to Reform Rate Bureau
Most of the Auto Insurance Industry has for several years been trying to convince North Carolina’s Lawmakers to Eliminate the Last Vestiges of the Once-Common “Rate Bureau” System, under which the Government ordains that Companies must use Rates set by a Collusive Cartel. Right Street’s Alan Smith blogs on Insurance Journal.
PCI Welcomes Potential for More Private Flood Insurance Coverage
Draft Legislation to revamp and reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, which faces a Sept. 30 Expiration, aims to Expand Private-Sector Participation in the Flood Insurance Market. PCI is “Pleased” with the Proposal to “Facilitate more Private Flood Insurance Coverage”, said Nat Wienecke of PCI. CBS News reports via the PCI SmartBrief.
Industry Only Beginning to Explore “Macro-Insurance”
“Micro-Insurance” has made headway as Digital Capabilities allow for such Tailored, Short-Term Coverage, but the Concept of a “One-Policy-Covers-All-Risk” Policy is in its earliest stages. National Underwriter’s PropertyCasualty360.com reports via the PCI SmartBrief.
How and Why More Insurers Are Turning to Bots
Insurers in the U.S. and Overseas are exploring the use of Chatbots in their Operations. Insurance Journal’s Denise Johnson reports.
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