Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Friday, March 22
Mar 22, 2013
To go directly to the section of your choice, click on a hyperlink below. Other hyperlinks to meeting information, bills and news are noted in bold type.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
Florida’s 2013 Regular Legislative Session
- Click here for today’s Senate block calendar
- Click here for today’s House of Representatives block calendar
8:00 a.m.–Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) Florida Market Assistance Plan Board of Governors meeting. Orlando, Florida. Teleconference: 866-361-7525; conference ID: 4492603407#. To view the meeting notice, click here.
9:00 a.m.–Citizens Board of Governors meeting. Orlando, Florida. Teleconference: 888-942-8686; conference ID: 5743735657#. To view the meeting notice, click here.
3:00 p.m.–Florida Self-Insurers Guaranty Association meeting. Tallahassee, Florida. To view the meeting notice, click here.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related News
Senator Negron: Eliminating insurance industry tax credit would allow cut in motorist fees
Republican Sen. Joe Negron of Stuart said Thursday he wants end a tax credit for the insurance industry and use the money to roll back increases in fees for driver licenses and auto tags that the state adopted four years ago.
Governor Scott vows to fight ruling on PIP changes
Gov. Rick Scott, who has repeatedly seen courts throw out measures he has pushed along with the Republican-controlled legislature, vowed to fight against a blistering court ruling that blocked a series of changes made to Florida’s auto insurance laws.
“Beachhouse Bailout” Bill Reintroduced in Congress
As surely as there is a hurricane season, there apparently is a season to try to shift insurance risks away from hurricane-prone areas to taxpayers around the country.
Bill raising caps on sovereign immunity claims moves in Florida House
The House Select Committee on Claims Bills passed on a measure reworking the claims bill process in an attempt to encourage more local governments to get insurance.
Senator Negron offers alternative to Medicaid expansion
The Stuart Republican’s plan offers premium assistance for low-income residents to buy private insurance and complies with federal requirements to qualify for subsidies offered in the Affordable Care Act.
Hundreds of Universal Health Care jobs are at risk after judge approves state takeover
Hundreds of Universal Health Care Group employees could lose their jobs now that a judge has placed the insolvent St. Petersburg Medicare insurer into receivership.
Blog: Lights Could Be Turned Out On Eye War
Florida’s optometrists and ophthalmologists might finally see to eye, reports Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida.
Former deputy accused in $600,000 workers’ compensation fraud
A former employee at the Brevard County jail is facing accusations she stole more than $600,000 in fraudulent worker’s compensation claims.
Northwest Florida Tea Party President and State Farm Agent Mike Hill to Seek Vacant House Seat
Mike Hill, president of the Northwest Florida Tea Party and a 2010 Republican Primary candidate for the Florida Senate, confirmed Thursday he will seek the House seat left vacant following the death of Rep. Clay Ford, R-Pensacola.
Jailed Central Florida insurance agent’s license revoked after money thefts
A Central Florida insurance agent’s license was permanently revoked after an investigation found he’d scammed three elderly Volusia County residents, an official said.
Ignition breathalyizer stalls in Senate committee
A measure to let judges require ignition interlock devices be put on the vehicles of people convicted of DUI ran into a roadblock Thursday as lawmakers expressed concerns about the financial impact on the offender.
Blog: Chip Merlin appointed to Florida Film & Entertainment Advisory Council
President of the Florida State Senate Don Gaetz announced the appointment of William F. “Chip” Merlin as a Senate Representative on the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council. His term of office will begin immediately and last through August 1, 2015.
Florida House approves big pension changes
Long, highly partisan debate on the House floor sets a final vote for Friday on a plan that would put new government employees into a “defined contribution” retirement plan.
Florida House on the Brink of Its Internet Cafe Ban
A bill to ban Internet sweepstakes cafes and arcades offering patrons electronic games for prizes probably is a day away from passage in the Florida House.
Senate President Gaetz says a cut in phone and cable taxes may help an Internet tax bill
Floridians may get a break on the tax they pay on their phone and cable television bills and Florida retailers may finally get the Legislature to back a sales tax on Internet transactions.
Everglades compromise hailed, passes Senate committee
The rewrite removes bill language saying that pollution will not be “deemed to cause or contribute to any violation of water quality standards in the Everglades Protection Area if the discharge is in compliance with applicable permits and any associated orders.”
Blog: Democrats lose enthusiasm for Weatherford’s campaign finance overhaul
A day before they vote on overhauling the Florida’s campaign finance laws, deep divisions emerged between Republicans and Democrats on the House Floor.
Assurant Settles with New York over Force-Placed Policies
Assurant, Inc. has agreed to refund $14 million to New Yorkers who were required to buy force-placed homeowners insurance.
Texas Windstorm Underwriting Association schedules emergency meeting to discuss receivership
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association could be headed for receivership as early as Monday. The board of the association has scheduled an emergency teleconference meeting for Monday to discuss the agency’s financial condition.
- Insurance bosses try explain possible move over Texas Windstorm Underwriting Association
- Will Texas Windstorm Insurer Remain After the Legislative Session?
Dunes vs. Property Rights in Storm-Battered New Jersey
The sand dune that ruined Harvey and Phyllis Karan’s view of the ocean allowed their beachfront home to see another day when Superstorm Sandy’s surge crashed ashore. They still want the $375,000 a court awarded them for the blocked sunrise, though.
Louisiana Commissioner Opposes $100 Million Citizens Insurance Borrowing Plan
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said it’s premature for the state property insurer of last resort to borrow $100 million to help close a budget gap, according to a letter released March 19.
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