Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Friday, Oct. 5

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Legislature passes no-fault insurance bill

The full Legislature swiftly passed a bill to revive Florida’s no-fault auto insurance law, a day after a deal seemed lost.

 

Fla. Gov., CFO Praise Legislators’ Work on Reforming No-Fault Law

After months of negotiations, the Florida Senate and House of Representatives today passed legislation to reform Florida’s 30-year-old Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law.

 

Deal worked out to bring PIP back on Jan. 1

PIP is back – or at least it will be on Jan. 1.

The Florida Legislature ended roller-coaster negotiations to restore the state’s no-fault auto insurance system on Friday morning, with quick votes in the House and Senate.

 

PIP deal survives political tumult

It’s off. Then on. But the real test to revive no-fault insurance may come today.

TALLAHASSEE — The Legislature is poised to revive no-fault laws that expired on Monday, saving a deal that was nearly derailed late Thursday over a last-minute disagreement over limiting attorney fees.

 

Save Our Homes portability back in play for tax cuts

A judge’s recent ruling junking the Legislature’s property-tax plan has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for lawmakers, because it is allowing them to dig for something better in their favorite place for tax plans: the recycling bin.

 

House, Senate have few differences in budget cut bill

Nearly identical budget-cutting bills passed Friday in both chambers of the Republican-controlled Legislature over objections from Democrats who wanted to dip into reserve funds or increase revenues to avoid some of the reductions.

 

Rep. Mahoney Urges Cat Bill At NAIC

WASHINGTON —The nation’s insurance regulators need to support catastrophe fund legislation because the country cannot afford to wait for the next disaster, a congressman warned them here.

 

No relief for hostages to high home insurance

Pay up and hush up. That’s the situation for residents who would like to insure their houses. And most folks are anxious to know that what probably is the single biggest investment of a lifetime is secure.

 

N.Y. Proposes ‘Rainy Day’ Catastrophe Insurance Fund With Eventual Tax Break

Insurance companies providing homeowners, business and other property insurance in New York State would be required to create a catastrophe reserve fund to help pay claims caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters under a new regulation proposed by Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo.

 

Insurance’s Loss Is Cigar Makers’ Gain

WASHINGTON – Cigar manufacturers in the Tampa Bay area and elsewhere got a reprieve Wednesday from a huge tax increase when President Bush refused to sign a bill to renew and expand a children’s health insurance program into law.

 

Evidence tossed in Allen case

‘Legislator’ statement may be admissible

 Taking the stand Thursday for the first time, embattled state Rep. Bob Allen said he only mentioned he was a

 

Entry of Democrat closes special elections for Mike Davis seat

The special election to succeed state Rep. Mike Davis will include separate primary and general elections.

 

Man Sentenced in Glass-Eating Scheme

BOSTON — A man was sentenced Thursday to more than five years in prison for his role in a multistate insurance fraud scheme in which federal prosecutors said he and his wife intentionally ate glass fragments and collected more than $200,000 in compensation.

 

Before There’s Smoke, Check Your Insurance Policy

Sometimes, we need a painful experience to prod us into doing what we should have done in the first place.

 

More Doctors in Texas After Malpractice Caps

HOUSTON, Oct. 4 — In Texas, it can be a long wait for a doctor: up to six months. That is not for an appointment. That is the time it can take the Texas Medical Board to process applications to practice.