Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, March 21

 

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Insurance bill aimed at businesses advances

The Florida House of Representatives’ insurance committee unanimously approved a bill Thursday that would let businesses opt out of helping to pay deficits at Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-backed entity that has become the largest property insurer statewide.

EDITORIAL: Reduce the public risk from hurricane claims

As part of the constant effort to deal with Florida’s property insurance crisis, the Legislature this year must undo a little of what the Legislature did last year.

The day in Tallahassee, Thursday, March 20, 2008

The Associated Press Children would have to sit in special seats in cars for four more years under a bill approved by a House committee.

Insurers strike homebuyers

Mortgage insurers target Brevard, making it harder to get loans

The mortgage industry just made it harder for some prospective homebuyers in Brevard County to borrow money.

A bill dies, but the fear of a looming deficit lives on

Sending the clearest signal yet that legislative leaders are not interested in raising taxes to help ease Florida’s budget crisis, a House committee on Thursday killed a bill that would have made it harder for large, multi-state corporations that operate in Florida to lower their state taxes by shifting profits to other states.

Vote on tax loophole was merely political theater

Money is vanishing from state coffers by the billions, forcing lawmakers to eviscerate the budget.

Tax swap draws critics, but Crist favors idea

The loudest opponents of the property-tax swap going before voters in November are lobbyists for major corporations and future legislative leaders who would be stuck with the plan’s heavy lifting: $9.6 billion in sales tax increases, budget cuts and other revenue hikes.

Legislation would let dog race gambling expand, give tax breaks to track owners

Track owners also could get tax cuts

While its leaders decry expanded gambling in Florida and warn of billions in state budget cuts, a measure pending in the Republican-led state House would give new tax breaks to wealthy racetrack owners and could lead to off-track betting parlors.

House panel okays CSX ‘no-fault’ bill

A bill that’s crucial to bringing commuter rail to Orlando passed its first test among lawmakers Thursday, despite disagreement over its benefits to a railroad company.

Crist aims to ease health costs

With families and businesses struggling to afford health care, Gov. Charlie Crist and Florida lawmakers are moving forward with proposals that would allow people to buy cheaper, stripped-down insurance.

Feds Propose Changes to Flood Insurance Q&A for Lenders

The federal bank, thrift, credit union, and Farm Credit System regulatory agencies today requested public comment on new and revised interagency questions and answers for lenders regarding flood insurance.

U.S. House Financial Chair Frank Calls for U.S. Financial Risk Regulator

The chairman of the House Financial Services Committee called Thursday for Congress to consider creating a “financial services risk regulator” with broad powers across a wide range of financial institutions.

NSM Offering Wind Insurance with Its Express Hotel Program

NSM Insurance Group has partnered with several providers of wind damage insurance for its Express Hotel Program.

Progressive Insurance Sponsors $10 M X-Prize for Fuel Efficient Vehicle

The X Prize Foundation, best known for its competitions promoting space flights, is offering $10 million (euro6.37 million) to the teams that can produce the most production-ready vehicles that get 100 miles per gallon or more.

Regulators Release Updated Top 25 P/C Insurers’ Market Share Report

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners released an updated version of the 2007 market share premium data for the top 25 insurers of select property/casualty lines of business.