SB 2860 Homeowners’ Bill of Rights Passes Senate

Today, April 16, 2008, Senator Jeff Atwater released the information below regarding Senate passage of SB 2860, also known as the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights.

 

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Homeowners’ Bill of Rights Passes Senate

Resounding 32-7 Victory for Insurance Reform

TALLAHASSEE, FL (April 16, 2008) – Senator Jeff Atwater’s (R-North Palm Beach) groundbreaking Homeowners’ Bill of Rights insurance reform plan won passage in the Senate today on a resounding vote of 32-7. Atwater called the passage, “A real victory for Florida homeowners and the start of a new era of accountability for insurers.”

Senator Atwater, Co-Chairman of the Select Committee on Property Insurance Accountability, hailed the Senate vote, saying “This overwhelming vote demonstrates a willingness of the Florida Senate to put consumers and homeowners ahead of politics, insurance lobbyists and special interests. It is a clear indication of our recognition that Floridians demand lower rates, real reform and new consumer protections.”

Atwater pledged to work tirelessly for passage of the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights in the House of Representatives. “The people of Florida have spoken loud and clear – they are fed up with the behavior of insurance companies,” said Atwater, referencing recent news stories of consumer abuse by big insurance companies. “I look forward to carrying their message to our colleagues in the House as we continue this fight.”

Atwater hailed the bipartisan vote, saying the Senate had produced a strong bill to significantly increase consumer protection, rein in out-of-control rate hikes and make insurance companies accountable to the people of Florida, including new legal penalties for companies who deceive regulators or abuse consumers. “I’m proud of the Senate’s passage of the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights and of the bipartisan effort that makes this the most far-reaching pro-consumer insurance reform plan in our recent years.”

Atwater, who is slated to become the next Florida Senate President, has made responsiveness to citizen concerns a centerpiece of his 2008 legislative agenda.

 

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