Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Thursday, May 5
May 5, 2011
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 2011 Regular Legislative Session
- Click here for today’s Senate block calendar
- Click here for today’s House of Representatives block calendar
Massive property insurance reform passes Florida House
Massive property insurance reform legislation designed to address industry cost drivers and improve the health of the state’s insurance market, was passed by the Florida House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon.
- Blog: Deal struck on major home insurance re-write
- Blog: Florida House passes sweeping property insurance bill
Immigration, sinkhole coverage still big issues for lawmakers
As state lawmakers approach the end of the legislative session, a ‘to-do’ list still remains
Leaders are still debating several issues, including immigration, election law, sinkhole coverage and unemployment benefits.
Florida Senator Mike Bennett: Bills can tame Citizens
Citizens Property Insurance, the state-run insurance provider for most Floridians, was originally designed as the insurer of last resort.
Florida groups call for end to “hidden hurricane taxes”
Legislation to reform the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is all but dead at the state Capitol, but supporters of the plan are making one last-ditch effort to get it passed.
Florida Clinic Owner and Employees Charged in Personal Injury Protection Case
A medical clinic owner in Florida has been arrested on charges of fraud and theft in association with bogus automobile personal injury protection claims.
Key Biscayne man crushed by hurricane windows
Rescuers tried to extricate a man who became trapped in the back of an 18-wheeler when a load of 3,000-pound impact-resistant glass windows fell on him, crushing him.
Today in Tallahassee: Abortion, Medicaid, prescription drug abuse
With just two days left in the session, lawmakers are expected to take up bills today relating to abortion, Medicaid and prescription drug abuse.
Florida Senate Preps Pro-Life, Welfare Drug-Testing Bills
Day 58 of the regular legislative session offered some meat for social conservatives in the Florida Senate, which on Wednesday readied two pro-life bills and a measure imposing drug tests on welfare recipients for final votes.
Tax Cap Expansion Goes to Voters
Property taxes at issue; bill will be on November 2012 ballot
Lawmakers Wednesday sent a property tax cap provision to voters following debate over whether the expansion of current law would further widen the gap between property owners who have owned for a long time and those who have not.
Federal Health Care Opt-Out Proposal Will Go to Florida Voters
Health Care Freedom Act passes House, 80-37
The Florida House joined the Senate in forwarding a proposed constitutional amendment to voters Wednesday afternoon, allowing residents of the Sunshine State to opt out of the federal health-care law backed by President Barack Obama. The proposed amendment passed the House on a near party-lines vote, 80-37.
Unemployment Compensation Reforms Pass Senate
If jobless rate is under 12 percent, payments will stop after 24 weeks
Florida businesses, plagued by increases in their unemployment compensation tax rates in recent years, could see some relief this year after the state Senate passed a bill Tuesday tying the maximum weeks of benefits to the state unemployment rate.
Voters will be asked to cut property taxes and limit state spending
Tax breaks for first-time homebuyers. A ban on health insurance mandates and a ban on funding for abortions.
Senate slips environmental permitting provision into rulemaking bill
State Senator Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, added an amendment to a rulemaking bill that would make it more difficult for members of the public to challenge environmental permits.
Senate OKs bill on felons and state licenses
The Florida Senate has approved a modified bill that aimed to take occupational licenses out of the civil rights denied to ex-convicts
House OKs limits on tax breaks for abortions
The House voted Wednesday to limit tax breaks for insurance policies that cover abortions.
Chris Smith Chosen as Next Democratic Leader in Florida Senate
Former House Dem leader will take over from Nan Rich after 2012 elections
Democrats in the Florida Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to name Chris Smith of Fort Lauderdale their next leader.
While bemoaning deep cuts to health-care, education and public employee benefits, Florida lawmakers have stockpiled millions of dollars in funds that they control and are packing away even more to pay legal bills as Florida begins the partisan process of redistricting this year.
Storm Surge Risk for 10 Coastal Cities
Hurricane-driven storm-surge inundation is one of the most disastrous natural flooding events that can occur. With billions of dollars in property damage and countless lives lost to storm surge, the U.S. in recent years has seen more than its fair share of destruction produced by these natural catastrophes.
Lloyds takes $5.3 billion hit for insurance mis-selling
Lloyds took a 3.2 billion pound ($5.3 billion) charge on Thursday to compensate consumers who were over-charged on insurance policies, and Ireland’s economic woes heaped further pain on the British bank.
California Attempts to Rein in Workers’ Compensation Compound Drug Costs
California legislators are considering a bill aimed at reigning in the use of compound drugs in workers’ compensation claims.
Marsh & McLennan Profit Up 31%
Marsh & McLennan Co.’s first-quarter earnings rose 31% on better-than-expected revenue growth, driven by its risk and insurance and consulting businesses.
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