House Passes Insurance Glitch Bill, Releases New PIP Legislation
Apr 26, 2007
HB 7077, also known as the property insurance “Glitch Bill,” today passed the House 114-0 with six amendments.
A strike-all amendment clarifying the intent of HB 1A was adopted onto the bill by Representative Ron Reagan (R- Sarasota). However, HB 7077 and its amendments also includes some provisions that are not favored by most insurers.
HB 7077 included language from SB 1866Â that requires insurers to pay interest on overdue claims.
An amendment by Representative Susan Bucher (D- West Palm Beach) subjects commercial property insurers to a 90-day deadline to pay or deny a claim. Previously, the provision applied only to residential property insurers.
Another amendment by Representative Rivera (R-Miami) allows public housing authorities to set up self-insurance funds.
Yet another amendment by Representative Jack Seiler (D-Pompano Beach) subjects Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to bad faith claims.
An engrossed copy of HB 7077, which is presently in Senate Messages, is enclosed for your review.
The Senate version of the “Glitch Bill”–SB 1866 by Senator Bill Posey (R-Rockledge)–is still in committee.
House Version of Citizens Bill Not Considered
HB 1267 by Representative Julio Robaina (R- Miami) was on the House Special Order Calendar for April 26, 2007, but was not considered. Fifteen amendments to HB 1267 have been filed, however, we do not expect this bill to be heard until late next week, if at all.
The most recent version of HB 1267, complete with its amendments, is accessible on-line at: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=36350&at
Automobile No-Fault Bills
SB 1880 by Sen. Posey was heard today in the Senate. An amendment by Senator Dennis Jones (R-Seminole) requiring the Department of Insurance to collect information from State Attorney’s Office regarding no-fault insurance fraud was adopted to SB 1880. The engrossed bill with the Jones amendment is attached for your review.
The House today released HB 7215 containing new PIP legislation. The bill is similar to HB PCB 07-07, which passed the House Rules and Calendar Council on Monday, April 23. This bill maintains emergency care coverage and allows the PIP laws to sunset. Many of the provisions within HB 7215 add consistency and clarification to the statute changes. Of note, HB 7215 clarifies that fee schedules also apply to follow-up treatment. HB 7215 is attached for your review.
The Senate and House no-fault/PIP bills remain vastly different, and it is unclear at this point which proposal, if either, will prevail. The Senate Bill is now on third reading. The House bills are still in Committee.
Please feel free to contact this office with any questions or comments.
We will continue to update you as additional information becomes available.