Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report–Friday, December 12, 2014
Dec 12, 2014
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Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
There are no events scheduled for today.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related News
Florida’s Citizens’ Takeout Program Undergoing Changes; Assessments Unlikely
Faced with a rising number of consumer complaints, Florida’s state-backed property insurer has announced a series of changes to its takeout program. The news comes as the insurer said it is highly unlikely to need policyholder assessments next year. Michael Adams reports for Insurance Journal.
Florida Supreme Court: Child sex crime victim recordings not evidence
Incriminating statements secretly recorded by a crime victim cannot be used as evidence against the alleged perpetrator even in a child sex abuse case, the Florida Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The Associated Press’ Curt Anderson reports via the Tampa Tribune.
Feds: Florida scholarship program does not violate anti-discrimination laws
Florida did not violate anti-discrimination laws by using standardized test scores to award Bright Futures scholarships, the U.S. Department of Education has found. The Miami Herald’s Kathleen McGrory reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.
Local pension reform returns to Florida Legislature in 2015
Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli has expressed interest in returning to the issue of pension reform, prompting two state senators filed a bipartisan bill this week that would overhaul local pension plans. Phil Ammann reports for SaintPetersBlog.com.
Scott keeps Panuccio as Florida’s jobs chief
Jesse Panuccio will remain the executive director of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity as Governor Rick Scott begins a second term. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via Scripps’ “Political Fix Florida” blog.
Jon Steverson named Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary
Governor Rick Scott has tapped Jon Steverson, executive director of the Northwest Florida Management District, to be the secretary of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, SaintPetersBlog.com’s James Call reports.
Sam Verghese to head Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Named yesterday as Florida’s new Secretary of the Department of Elder Affairs, Sam Verghese formerly served as External Affairs Director for Governor Scott in 2014. SaintPetersBlog.com’s Peter Schorsch reports.
U.S. House-approved TRIA bill draws criticism from Senator Schumer
The U.S. House should pass a “clean” measure to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act backstop without including any additional provisions, Senator Charles Schumer says. Reuters reports via the PCI SmartBrief.
Tenure of Outgoing Kansas Insurance Commissioner Praeger Marked by Industry Growth
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger says the insurance industry has grown from an $11 billion industry to a $17 billion one during the time she has been in office. Insurance Journal reports.
SERFF Filing Access Now Available Online in Delaware
Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart announced that her agency now offers public the ability to view the state’s insurance rate and form filings electronically via the System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing interface, also commonly referred to as SERFF Filing Access or SFA. Insurance Journal reports.
Instagramming Pilots Violate FAA Rules
Pilots for airlines large and small, flying planes of all sizes, seem to be violating the safety rules, taking photos with their phones as well as GoPro cameras mounted inside the cockpit. Some also appear to be flouting even stricter regulations for takeoff and landing, when not even idle conversation is allowed in the cockpit. David Yanofsky reports for Quartz.com
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