Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report–Monday, December 22, 2014
Dec 22, 2014
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Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
There are no events scheduled for today.
Daily Florida Insurance-Related News
New Florida Car Seat Laws Effective January 1
What do you do with kids who are too big for car seats but too little for a standard seat belt? The Florida Legislature says it has the answer, though some child advocates say the new law that takes effect on Jan. 1 doesn’t measure up to the rest of the nation or to recommendations of national safety experts. Keith Morelli reports for the Tampa Tribune.
Florida Healthcare Plus Ordered Into Liquidation
Thousands of seniors on Medicare plans offered by Florida Healthcare Plus will need to pick new coverage next month. A circuit court judge in Tallahassee has ordered the Coral Gables-based company into receivership and liquidated by January 1. The Sun-Sentinel’s Diane Lade reports via InsuranceNewsNet.com.
Humana agrees to cut costs of HIV drugs for Florida patients
The third of four Florida insurers accused of overcharging HIV and AIDS patients for their medications has agreed to take steps to reduce those costs, advocacy groups announced Friday. Tampa Bay Times’ Jodie Tillman reports.
U.S. Supreme Court denies stay in Florida gay marriage case; couples could marry after January 5
Same-sex weddings may soon begin in Florida after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to block them, the Associated Press reports via the Tampa Bay Times.
Governor Scott appoints Jim Boxold as new Florida Department of Transportation Secretary
Governor Rick Scott is choosing Jim Boxold as the new Florida Department of Transportation secretary, replacing Ananth Prasad, who announced December 2 he stepping down. SaintPetersBlog.com’s Phil Ammann reports.
All Aboard Florida gets federal OK for $1.75 billion bond financing
All Aboard Florida has won federal approval to borrow $1.75 billion, clearing a critical hurdle in its plan to build a high-speed passenger railroad linking Miami and Orlando. TCPalm.com’s Arnie Rosenberg reports via Scripps’ “Political Fix Florida” blog.
Political insiders think Marco Rubio might run for Florida governor
Some political insiders have predicted U.S. Senator Marco Rubio will run for Florida’s governor in 2018, either after winning re-election to the Senate in 2016 or after leaving the Senate after 2016.
Chris Sprowls files for 2016 Florida House run; Cary Pigman draws challenger
This week, recently elected State Representative Chris Sprowls has filed paperwork as an initial step toward re-election in 2016, according to the Florida Division of Elections. SaintPetersBlog.com’s Phil Ammann reports.
Petition drive for 2016 would make it easier for ex-felons to regain voting rights
Civil rights and voting rights groups have quietly launched a grass-roots petition drive in Florida to make it easier for ex-felons to regain the right to vote. Tampa Bay Times’ Steve Bousquet reports.
Florida could have fracking problem on its hands
Florida has a fracking problem. Voters want cheap energy, environmental protection, cleaner water, lower taxes and less government in their lives. Orlando Sentinel’s Aaron Deslatte reports.
FSOC Rejects MetLife’s SIFI Appeal
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Stability Oversight Council has rejected MetLife’s appeal of its designation as a systemically important financial institution (SIFI). National Underwriter’s Arthur Postal reports via InsuranceNewsNet.com.
President Obama Signs Bill Easing Insurer Capital Standards
President Barack Obama has signed legislation intended to relax capital and liquidity standards for insurers under the Dodd-Frank Act. Insurance Journal reports.
North Carolina Denies Homeowners Insurance Rate Hike
North Carolina insurance companies that wanted to raise the cost of homeowners coverage by an average of roughly 25 percent were told Friday the state’s regulator is instead approving a zero overall change. The Associated Press’ Emery P. Dalesio reports via Insurance Journal.
McDonald’s Is Joint Employer with Franchisees, National Labor Board Rules
McDonald’s Corp. wields enough control over its franchisees that it should be jointly responsible for the working conditions of their employees, according to charges by the U.S. labor board critics say threatens to upend the fast- food industry. Bloomberg reports via Insurance Journal.
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