Florida Senate Passes Cost Driver Bill (CS/CS/CS/SB 408) By Vote of 26 to 11; Legislation Now Goes to Governor for Action

May 5, 2011

 

Tonight, May 5, 2011, CS/CS/CS for SB 408 was heard by the full Senate for approval of the strike-all amendment adopted by the House yesterday.

Senator Smith, Senator Storms, Senator Margolis and Senator Fasano all filed “unfriendly” amendments to the bill.

Senator Smith’s amendment would have reinserted language removed by the House yesterday.  The amendment would have provided that no provisions of the bill could apply retroactively.  The amendment failed.

Senator Storms amendment would have removed language that provided an exemption from regulation for managing general agencies that only serve a single domestic insurer.  Yesterday’s House strike-all reestablished that exemption.  The amendment failed on a voice vote.

Senator Margolis’ amendment would have amended the law relating to wind mitigation discounts.  The amendment failed.

Senator Fasano filed 15 amendments similar to those he has filed all Session.  The only amendment he did not withdraw would have removed expedited rate filings for increases in reinsurance costs.  The amendment failed.

In his close, Senator Richter said this bill will begin to repair the insurance market that was damaged by the 2007 Legislature and will lead to reduced premiums for policyholders.

CS/CS/CS for SB 408 passed the full Senate 26 to 11.  The bill is now ready for the Governor’s signature.

 

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

 

To unsubscribe from this newsletter, please send an email to bellis@cftlaw.com.