Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, October 29
Oct 29, 2009
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Regulators OK Homeowners Choice assumption of Citizens policies in Florida
Florida regulators authorized Homeowners Choice Inc. to assume an additional 60,000 insurance policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Florida’s 21st Century Holdings Firmly Rejects Homeowners Choice Buyout
Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.-based 21st Century Holding Co. said its board of directors has unanimously rejected an unsolicited buyout proposal by Florida-only insurer Homeowners Choice, Inc., which sought to acquire all outstanding shares of 21st Century for approximately $5.30 per share or about $40 million.
Florida State Representative Peter Nehr: State needs to check windstorm mitigation credits
It is my belief, and the belief of many of my fellow state representatives, that if homeowners spend money protecting their homes against hurricanes, and the improvements they made reduce their risk of loss, they should get a discount on their insurance premium.
Florida Senator Mike Fasano: Expanding health coverage is a priority for Florida lawmakers
Your argument that the Florida Legislature’s attempts to expand health care coverage are “more politics than policy” just shows how far you will go to not give credit to legislative efforts made to assist individuals in securing health insurance coverage.
Fla. State Senator says cancer patients in trials need coverage
A powerful state senator wants insurance companies and HMOs to stop denying coverage of routine medical treatment, such as doctor’s visits and X-rays, for Florida cancer patients participating in clinical trials.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Outgoing AHCA Chief Benson in Ag Race
Outgoing state health care agency head Holly Benson announced Thursday that she is jumping into the race for state attorney general, challenging Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp for the GOP nomination.
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson has endorsed U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek for the U.S. Senate.
National issues creeping into Florida governor’s race
Hoping to capitalize on President Barack Obama’s declining popularity in Florida, Republican governor candidate Bill McCollum is trying to tie his Democratic opponent, Alex Sink, to Obama and national issues pushed by Democrats.
Fla. GOP seeks candidates to challenge U.S. Rep. Grayson
National Republicans met with two potential challengers to U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson on Wednesday as the GOP establishment continued to search for a candidate who can topple the outspoken freshman Democrat from Orlando.
Florida Public Utilities settles dispute with Florida regulators over rate hike
Florida Public Utilities Co. has agreed to a $7.9 million increase in its base rates and charges after a proposed settlement reached with the Office of Public Counsel, the company and the OPC said Wednesday.
With Congress poised to extend jobless benefits, the red ink flooding Florida’s unemployment compensation system is deepening and now also spurring renewed calls for change from both Democrats and Republicans.
Lawmakers urge Southeastern governors to start water talks
Georgia, Florida and Alabama don’t agree on much when it comes to water.
Room-tax battle heats up between Fla. counties and online travel bookers
The big-money battle between Florida counties and online hotel booking companies reached the apex of state government Tuesday, but there’s still no solution in sight.
Offshore-drilling debate reveals upcoming battle lines
Envision oil derricks cluttering Florida’s sunset views. Oil spills threatening marine life, turning beach sand black and scaring away tourists.
- Forum on energy exploration in Florida Gulf to be televised
- Fla. offshore drilling debated on Internet
FDA’s plan to ban oysters causes furor in Southeast
Federal officials plan to ban sales of raw oysters harvested from the Gulf of Mexico unless the shellfish are treated to destroy potentially deadly bacteria — a requirement that opponents say could deprive diners of a delicacy cherished for generations.
U.S. House Panel Advances Bill on Credit Rating Agency Liability
Credit rating agencies would be more tightly regulated and more exposed to lawsuits under legislation approved Wednesday by the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.
Senate panel takes up distracted-driving bill
A bipartisan bill introduced Wednesday would provide incentives for states to ban drivers 18 years of age and under from using their cell phones.
Bill Would Have Federal Reserve Board Regulate Jumbo Insurers
Compromise legislation proposed by the Obama administration and Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., would give federal banking regulators broad authority to regulate large, troubled insurers as well as resolve them, as necessary.
International group adopts changes in insurer oversight
In an effort to strengthen cross-border supervision of insurance, the International Assn. of Insurance Supervisors moved forward on a proposal to create supervisory colleges for regulation of insurance groups.
Federal Trade Commission Waves Red Flag On Data Risk
With new FTC rules to protect data privacy going into effect Nov. 1, insurance agents must have written identity theft prevention programs in place.
Georgia Workers’ Compensation Insurer Southeastern US Faces Liquidation
A workers’ compensation insurer for 3,000 public entities, hospitals, private companies and associations in Georgia has been declared insolvent and will be liquidated.
Carroll, Jarratt and Lee Added to PCI’s Board of Governors
Steven D. Carroll, Robert Jarratt and Michael H. Lee have been elected as the newest members of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America’s Board of Governors.
Flu Cases Could Spur Homeowner Claims, Lawyer Says
Property and casualty insurers can expect to be hit by a swirl of claims arising from swine flu that include actions against homeowners and businesses, a medical malpractice defense attorney is predicting.
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