Florida Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance March 20, 2013 Meeting Recap
Mar 21, 2013
The Florida Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance (“Committee”) met on March 20, 2013 to consider and discuss the following bills:
Senate Bill 468 relating to Commercial Insurance Rates and Forms by Senator Hukill passed through the Committee. There were two amendments filed to the bill, 620194 by Senator Richter, is a delete-all amendment and was adopted by the Committee.
A representative from the Trial Bar opposed the amendment, while the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation supported the amendment.
Senator Benacquisto’s amendment 387680 was withdrawn.
Senator Detert explained she was unable to support the bill because of her concerns regarding review requirements.
Senate Bill 356 relating to Financial Guaranty Insurance Corporations by Senator Abruzzo and Senate Bill 566 relating to Security of Protected Consumer Information by Senator Detert passed through the Committee without debate or objection.
Senate Bill 282 relating to Consumer Finance Charges by Senator Richter passed through the Committee as well.
Senate Bill 662 relating to Workers’ Compensation by Senator Hays addressing drug repackaging was originally temporarily postponed due to lack of time. However, the Committee worked through a number of non-controversial bills quickly and had time to readdress SB 662.
Senator Negron asked Senator Hays to describe what the bill does regarding the market. Senator Hays explained the bill caps medication price at the original price and allows for a $4.18 dispensing fee.
In debate, a representative from a pharmacy company expressed full support for the bill and assured the Committee that SB 662 wouldn’t affect a physician’s ability to treat his or her patient, or dispense medication.
A representative from a medical association explained that this organization has concerns about the bill, but is confident that Senator Hays will work closely with the association before the bill gets to the floor. There was no debate on SB 662 and it passed through the Committee.
Senate Bill 324 relating to the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association by Senator Brandes was brought up for consideration, but due to lack of time and a late-filed amendment to Senator Hays’ amendment 484256, the Committee made the decision to hear the bill first thing at its next meeting.
SB 1622 relating to the Establishment of a Clearinghouse Diversion Program Within the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation by Senator Richter, SB 1606 relating to Public Records/Citizens Property Insurance Corporation by Senator Richter, SB 1262 relating to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund by Senator Hays, SB 1046 relating to Insurance by Senator Brandes, and SB 242 relating to Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact by Senator Hukill were all on the agenda for the March 20 Committee meeting, but were unable to be considered because the Committee ran out of time.
To view the meeting packet, click here.
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