October 3, 2007 PIP Legislative Update

On October 3, 2007, the House Insurance Committee met regarding the reenactment of Florida’s No-Fault law. There were 12 amendments filed to Representative Bogdanoff’s (R – Ft. Lauderdale) bill, HB 13C.  However, only one amendment was adopted, 3 failed and 8 were withdrawn.  Representative Bogdanoff assured Committee members that she intends to amend her bill in the House Jobs and Entrepreneurship Council on October 4, 2007, so that No-Fault will be re-enacted effective February 15 2008, among other changes resulting from feedback received during the Committee’s Tuesday workshop.

In addition to Representative Bogdanoff’s comments, the Committee held a lengthy debate on an amendment filed by Representative David Simmons (R – Altamonte Springs) that would prohibit the use of a contingency fee risk multiplier in PIP lawsuits.  Representative Simmons’ amendment was defeated. 

Additionally, Representative Bryan Nelson (R – Apopka) offered an amendment that would expressly allow the use of interpleader in bodily injury liability cases. Representative Nelson’s amendment was also defeated, after lengthy discussion. 

With one amendment adopted, HB 13C passed out of the Committee with a vote of 11Y/1N. 

Representative Bogdanoff further presented HB 15C, relating to Public Records/Personal Identifying Information and Property Damage Liability Insurance Policies/DHSMV.  The bill passed out of the Committee unanimously with no discussion.

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee is scheduled to meet for a second time this week on Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. in order to consider SB 40C (a companion PIP bill), while the House Jobs and Entrepreneurship Council will meet again on Thursday afternoon at 1:45 p.m.  As always, we will continue to provide you with updates as new developments transpire.

 

Should you have any questions or comments regarding this information, please feel free to contact this office.