Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Tuesday, November 24
Nov 24, 2009
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Insurers reducing, eliminating discounts for storm fortifications
Homeowners who got insurance discounts after fortifying their homes with shutters are facing new inspections that could lead to their discounts being slashed or eliminated.
If you got a discount from your windstorm insurance company for installing shutters and other hurricane protections on your home, you might soon have to give some or all of it back.
Miami Condo Sues QBE Insurance for Over $500 Million for Bad Faith Claims Handling Practices
A Miami condominium association has sued its insurer, QBE Insurance Corporation, and its Florida general managing agent, for more than $500 million in damages, claiming bad faith and deception in handling hurricane claims.
The clock is ticking for Florida homeowners who want to be part of a class-action lawsuit against a manufacturer believed to be a source of defective Chinese drywall.
St. Petersburg City Council stashes away $2 million for “catastrophes”
The City Council opted Monday against using a $2 million surplus to shore up community groups devastated by the recession.
EDITORIAL: Improve Florida Emergency Training
In emergencies, time is of the essence. Providing prompt medical attention can save lives and heal wounds.
Prosecutors: Rothstein covered payroll using scheme
Attorney Scott Rothstein tapped into millions of dollars from his massive investment scam to cover payroll costs at his expanding Fort Lauderdale law firm, federal authorities said in court records released Monday.
Governor Crist Signs Amicus Brief Supporting Right to Bear Arms
Governor Charlie Crist signed an amicus brief yesterday on behalf of petitioners in the case of McDonald v. City of Chicago in the United States Supreme Court.
- To view the brief, click here.
Tri-Rail fund shortfall could be ended soon
Lawmakers closed in on winning votes for a special session on high-speed and commuter rail funding. Tri-Rail could be among the beneficiaries.
A special lawmaking session on high-speed and commuter rail inched closer Monday as legislative leaders and the governor said they are ready to tap surplus money in the transportation budget rather than raise taxes on rental cars to help pay for the transit projects.
- Drilling bill would likely pass Florida House but not Senate
- Real prize could lie in waters controlled by U.S. government
- COLUMN: Oil drilling momentum stuns Graham
Port St. Lucie’s Fetterman wants state to stop raiding trust funds
State Rep. Adam Fetterman, D-Port St. Lucie, wants voters to tell their lawmakers not to raid trust funds in order to balance the budget.
Crist vows to turn up the heat on Rubio
The governor, who used to act like the inevitable nominee for U.S. Senate, no longer sounds like someone taking anything for granted. He seemed instead like a candidate who, after months of steady criticism from conservative activists and from Rubio is eager to engage and peel away the veneer on the former state House speaker.
Unemployment tax adds pressure: Looming increase worries many local small businesses
Businesses in Manatee County are bracing for another financial strain that lies ahead.
As a result of statewide unemployment conditions, businesses will see an increase in unemployment compensation taxes starting in January.
EDITORIAL: Derail Florida’s pension gravy train
State Sen. Mike Fasano of New Port Richey is right to once again target for change how the state rewards employees for years of service when they retire -a program that has exposed taxpayers to financial risk for too long.
Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe: Roadmap to reshape economy, travel
Florida will be the third-largest state by 2014. We need a plan to deal with our traffic woes beyond simply spending tax money on widening roads. The referendum on rail transit and other transportation needs allows the voters to finally address our congestion issues.
EDITORIAL: Partisan politics isn’t service
Sen. George LeMieux’s mastery of an obscure legislative maneuver suggests he is a quick study. It’s too bad he appears to be using it for personal and partisan political gain.
Chinese Drywall Linked to Corrosion in Homes
Federal investigators reported Monday that a “strong association” existed between chemicals contained in Chinese drywall and complaints by homeowners of corrosion in electrical wiring and metal.
New Jersey Supreme Court Upholds Fee Schedule for PIP Claims
The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled the state’s insurance regulator can implement a medical fee schedule for treatments covered by Personal Injury Protection.
Louisiana Insurance chief backs homeowners
State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said Monday his office will go after insurance companies that cancel homeowner policies because of tainted drywall.
Jury Rules Against Fair Isaac in FICO Credit Score Trademark Case
A federal jury in Minneapolis on Friday ruled against Fair Isaac Corp. in its lawsuit accusing Experian Plc and TransUnion LLC of antitrust and trademark violations for using a credit scoring system that competes with its widely used “FICO” score.
New NCOIL Model Law Targets Airbag Fraud, Promotes Consumer Safety
Following three special meetings and a series of conference calls over the last five months, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators Property-Casualty Insurance Committee on November 21 adopted a draft Model Act Regarding Auto Airbag Fraud-legislation that would protect consumers by establishing a comprehensive set of anti-fraud policy options.
NCOIL Sets Model Bill For State Control Of Credit Default Swaps
The National Conference of Insurance Legislators said it has adopted model legislation to prohibit “naked” credit default swaps and put “covered swaps” under state insurance regulation.
Corps of engineers’ caution in Dallas tied to liability threat after Katrina
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has made it no secret that its decisions regarding Dallas’ ambitious plans to remake the Trinity River corridor with bridges, lakes and a toll road have been haunted by the ghosts of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
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