Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report – Thursday, April 13, 2017
Apr 13, 2017
Time Running Out in Legislature for Insurance Reform
As Florida’s Spring Legislative Session draws to a close, the Property Insurance Industry is concerned that chances to enact Reforms are slipping away. Three Bills that address the so-called “Assignment of Benefits” problem appear stalled. The measures address subjects of a bitter, years-long dispute between two powerful interests – Insurance Companies and Trial Attorneys – that reach deeply into the Legislature. The Sun-Sentinel reports via Crain’s Miami.
Florida Second-Worst State for Distracted Driving, Study Says
Florida ranks second only to Louisiana for Distracted Driving, according to a Study released Wednesday. Wayne K. Roustan reports for the Sun-Sentinel.
Florida Workers’ Comp Reform Battle Far From Over
Several Bills addressing changes to Florida’s Workers’ Compensation System were Filed this Legislative Session in response to Court Decisions from the State’s High Court in 2016, but it remains to be seen which, if any, will make it through. Amy O’Connor reports for Insurance Journal.
Tobacco Companies Ordered to pay $35M in Florida Case
Pointing to “Intentional” wrongdoing in the past by the Tobacco Industry, a State Appeals Court Wednesday ordered two cigarette makers to pay a full $35 Million Jury Award in a Case involving a man who had to undergo two double-lung transplants. THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA reports via the Sun-Sentinel.
Trump Administration to Renew Program that Pays Florida Hospitals for Treating the Uninsured
The Federal Government agreed on Wednesday to Renew a State Program that Repays Hospitals for Care they provide to the Uninsured, a move that could Offset State Cuts to Hospitals and bridge a gap in the State Budget. Michael Auslen reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
· Another Shot at Medicaid Expansion in Florida, But Same Result
House Committee Chair Says Senate Everglades Bill “Great Starting Point”
After an Everglades Reservoir Bill passed the Senate on Wednesday, State Representative Matt Caldwell said the measure, a priority of Senate President Joe Negron, “Will be taken Seriously” in the House. Bruce Ritchie reports for FloridaPolitics.com.
· Trump Budget Drops Key Everglades Cleanup Program
It was a big day in the Florida Senate Wednesday as Democrats joined with Republicans to Pass the Senate Budget 39-0 and gave an overwhelming 36-3 nod to Senate President Joe Negron’s Priority Bill to build a Water-Storage Reservoir South of Lake Okeechobee. The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reports via the “Naked Politics” blog.
Florida Constitution Revision Commission Chairman Outlines Rule-Making Plans
Carlos Beruff, who leads the Panel charged with reviewing and suggesting rewrites to the State’s Governing Document, said in a Wednesday Memo that several Members will form a Committee and “Hold Noticed and Open Meetings to deliberate the Proposed Rules.” Jim Rosica reports for SaintPetersBlog.com.
Congress Passes Bill to Boost National Weather Service Forecast, Storm Warning Research
The Trump Administration has Proposed cutting NOAA’s Funding by 16 percent, but maintaining National Weather Service Forecasting Capabilities by investing more than $1 Billion. Matthew Daly reports for Carrier Management.
Self-Driving “Arms Race” Complicates Supplier Alliances
The Race to develop and exploit Autonomous Vehicle Technology is reshaping the hierarchy of the Automotive Industry, replacing traditional Top-Down Manufacturing Relationships with Complex Webs of Supplier Alliances and Acquisitions. Automotive News reports.
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