Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Apr 8, 2015
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Daily Florida Insurance-Related Events
Daily Florida Insurance-Related News
Citizens Board Approves $1B in Pre-Event Bonds for 2015 Hurricane Season
Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Board of Governors has approved the issuance of up to $1 billion in pre-event bonds to provide Citizens with readily available cash flow for the 2015 hurricane season and beyond, Insurance Journal reports.
Capitol fight averted on Miami-backed rental car legislation
A bill working its way through the Florida Legislature would require out-of-state residents who rent cars in Florida to buy insurance, but trial lawyers say an existing “loophole” allows the industry to “avoid responsibility to the public. Steve Bousquet reports via the Miami Herald’s “Naked Politics” blog.
Health care has been extremely partisan in the Legislature these days but there was an unusual bipartisan concern expressed over a bill that would limit a taxing district’s authority to levy ad valorem taxes if they have too many outstanding unpaid claims. SaintPetersBlog.com’s Christine Jordan Sexton reports.
Senate Panel Blocks Confirmation of Scott’s Surgeon General
Senate panel Tuesday blocked the reappointment of Governor Rick Scott’s pick to serve as the state’s top health care official, a move that comes as they continue a public fight over accepting federal dollars to expand health care coverage. Matt Dixon reports for Scripps’ Political Fix Florida blog.
Republicans Claim Open Florida House Seats in Special Elections
As expected, on Tuesday, Republican candidates Paul Renner and Cyndi Stevenson easily won open Florida House seats in special elections mandated by former State Representatives Travis Hutson and Doc Renuart running for an open Florida Senate seat, SunshineStateNews.com’s Kevin Derby reports.
Despite appeals, House advances modest prison reforms
The Florida Senate has passed a bill, SB 7020, that would create a nine-member oversight commission with the power to investigate and subpoena employees and hold them accountable for reforming the state’s correction system, the Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reports.
As Dana Young pushes reworked House gaming plan, Senators file amendments
When House Majority Leader Dana Young of Tampa filed her new, somewhat less provocative House gambling proposal, a careful observer could already hear the gears turning in the Senate. SaintPetersBlog.com’s Ryan Ray reports on the developments.
Adam Putnam Showcases Efforts Against Marijuana
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam showcased the fight against the illegal growing of marijuana on Tuesday, noting that last year saw more than 31,500 plants seized and more than 500 people arrested, SunshineStateNews.com’s Kevin Derby reports.
Write-in residency requirements bill goes down in bipartisan flames in Senate panel
As she portrayed her SB 840 as a mostly technical bill that simply clears up a legal conflict currently circulating in the courts, state Senator Eleanor Sobel probably was not prepared for the maelstrom of criticism from both parties that befell her effort. SaintPetersBlog.com’s Ryan Ray reports.
McPharlin Tapped to Head Michigan Department of Insurance & Financial Services
Governor Rick Snyder has named Pat McPharlin of Laingsburg as the new director of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services. He will replace outgoing director Ann Flood, Insurance Journal reports.
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