Florida House Economic Affairs Committee Amends, Passes HB 1087 Relating to Persons Designated to Receive Insurer Notifications

At its April 14, 2011 meeting, the Florida House Economic Affairs Committee (“Committee”) considered HB 1087, relating to persons designated to receive insurer notifications, sponsored by State Representative Doug Holder. 

Chairwoman Dorothy Hukill noted that a strike-all amendment had been filed by Rep. Holder.  Rep. Holder was then recognized to describe the strike-all, which he did, noting the amendment includes a provision to exempt certain foreign insurers from obtaining a certificate of authority if they only issue policies to nonresidents of the United States under certain circumstances.  The strike-all also includes provisions that were in the original bill to clarify that an insurer is statutorily required to provide only the first-named insured with certain notices.  Further, there are provisions regarding the negotiation of extended warranties, as well as service warranty companies included in the strike-all amendment.  

Several amendments to the strike-all amendment also were filed, which the Committee considered and took the following actions:

• Amendment 1A, filed by Rep. Dorworth, would allow the use of prepaid cards for payment of workers’ compensation claims.  There were no questions, public testimony, or debate.  ADOPTED.
• Amendment 2A, filed by Rep. Wood, shortens the number of years that an insurer can use the same accountant.  Rep. Wood explained that this provision was originally in HB 803, but was removed because it was not closely related to the enacting clause of that bill.  It was also noted that the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation supports the amendment.  There were no questions, public testimony, or debate.  ADOPTED.
• Amendment 3A, filed by Rep. Abruzzo, expands the designations an applicant may have to qualify for licensure as a public adjuster apprentice.  There were no questions, public testimony, or debate.  ADOPTED.
• Amendment 4A, filed by Rep. Nelson, was withdrawn.
• Amendment 5A, filed by Rep. Nelson, was withdrawn.

The Committee then considered the strike-all amendment, as amended.  There were no questions, and public testimony was waived in support of the bill as amended. 

A vote was taken and HB 1087, as amended, was passed favorably by a vote of 17 to 1.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Colodny Fass.