Sunday, April 17, 2011

Week 6: "busy" week for Florida insurance reform legislation

Six of the key insurance bills I'm following had action in the House or Senate (or both) last week -- Week 6 of the Florida 2011 Legislative Session.  So I think that it's fair to say that last week was a "busy" one.  Next week (Week 7) will be relatively quiet, as the Senate is in recess all week for the Easter/Passover Holidays, and the House meets only on Wednesday (April 20) and Thursday (April 21).  

When the Legislators return, only two weeks (8 & 9) will remain in the Regular Session (unless extended).  There are still many differences to resolve between House and Senate versions of the bills, and most bills contain highly controversial provisions.

Here is a summary of action last week:

  • PIP Reform.
  • Big Property/Sinkhole Package. 
    • House.  H 803 was approved by the Economic Affairs Committee last week (Week 6) and is ready for consideration by the full House.
    • Senate.  S 408 has been ready for consideration by the full Senate since Week 5.
    • For more on this package, see Senate is first to post Property Reform bill.
  • Citizens reform.
    • Senate.  S 1714 was scheduled for consideration by the Budget Committee last week (Week 6) but was temporarily postponed (did not come up for a vote).
    • House.  H 1243 was approved by the Economic Affairs Committee during Week 5 and has been ready for action by the full House. 
    • For more on the bills, see Citizens bills approved by two committees in week 4.
  • Rates for Property Insurance.
    • Senate.  S 1330 ("choice" bill) was scheduled for consideration by the Budget Committee last week (Week 6) but was temporarily postponed (did not come up for a vote).
    • H 885 (limited to recoupment of reinsurance costs) has been ready for action by the full House since Week 5. 
    • For more on the bills, see Property insurance reform inches forward during week 4.
  • Non-renewal & cancellation (notice to 1st named insured).
  • Medical Malpractice (increased protection for doctors and hospitals in medical malpractice suits).
    • Senate.  S 1590 was approved by the Banking and Insurance Committee last week (Week 6) and is now in the Budget Committee.
    • House.  H 479 was approved by the Judiciary Committee last week (Week 6) and appears to be ready for the full House.
No action during Week 6:
This summary was prepared by Perry Cone and posted at www.tallyinslaw.com/

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