Senate Banking & Insurance Committee Meeting Report: March 4
Mar 4, 2009
Today, Wednesday March 4, 2009, the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee (“Committee”) met in Tallahassee. Upon the opening of the meeting, Senator J.D. Alexander (R-Winter Haven) asked that further questioning of Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”) officials take place regarding the State Farm withdrawal plan.
Senator Alexander’s concern emanates from constituent complaints regarding rate increases from other insurance companies that are greater than State Farm’s requested increase. Senator Alexander also requested the OIR to address general solvency issues.
Chairman Garrett Richter (R-Naples) noted that he would ensure that the OIR officials appeared once again before the Committee.
At today’s meeting, the Committee discussed several insurance-related bills. Below is a brief summary of those bills and the discussion and actions that occurred. The agenda, adopted amendments and further analysis of each bill is included in the Committee Packet, which can be viewed by clicking here.
Senate Bill 702 by Senator Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) relating to Health Care Access
Among other provisions, the bill prohibits pre-paid limited health service organizations from specifying certain contract continuation or renewal conditions. With no questions or public testimony, the bill passed unanimously as amended.
Senator Fasano explained his bill in the context of a proposed strike-everything amendment, which defines the term “sinkhole loss prevention ordinance” and would require insurers to provide premium discounts on policies based on a property’s compliance with an adopted ordinance.
Senator Bennett queried about the bill’s impact on homeowners’ expense, to which Senator Fasano explained that the bill would cause premiums to be reduced. SB 742 passed unanimously as amended.
Senate Bill 1126 by Senator Garrett Richter relating to Investor Protection
The bill addresses concerns about investor fraud and includes increased penalties for violations. Senator Alexander asked whether the bill reduces regulation on viatical settlements. Chairman Richter stated that it did not.
Several speakers provided public testimony about the good intentions of SB 1126, but expressed concerns with some of its provisions. Chairman Richter noted it is not in final form. The bill passed unanimously.
Senate Bill 170 by Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa) relating to Breast Cancer Treatment
This bill passed unanimously.
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding the above matters, please contact Colodny Fass.
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