Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, April 30
Apr 30, 2008
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Florida Regulator Holds Public Hearing on New Reinsurance Rules
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation held a public hearing to ask for input on a draft rule that would implement 2007 legislation giving the insurance commissioner discretion to allow unaccredited reinsurance companies to conduct business in Florida–without having to post 100 percent collateral.
Lawmakers at odds on property insurance changes
Negotiations broke down Tuesday night between House and Senate Republicans over a bill to freeze windstorm premiums for Citizens Property Insurance Corp. customers, leaving in doubt the outcome of the session’s most sweeping property insurance changes.
EDITORIAL: State leaders aren’t doing enough on property-insurance reform
You’d think a Legislature like Florida’s, which finds the time to debate issues such as the state song toward the end of its 2008 session, must have resolved more pressing matters.
EDITORIAL: Reject industry attempt to tap state-run insurer
It’s the last week of the legislative session, which is the time for notorious “strike-all” bills.
April 30: The day in Tallahassee
With a few days left in the legislative session, Senate and House negotiators were trying to find common ground on an effort to make cheap, no-frills health plans available to reduce the number of uninsured.
Program to help brace for storms
Gloria DeVito hopes the free home inspection by Jupiter officials reduces her windstorm insurance.
Fla. Group Urges Public To Buy Flood Coverage
The Florida Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (FAIFA) warned yesterday that homeowners, renters and businesses need to look into purchasing flood insurance before the hurricane season arrives.
Insurance reform bill headed to Crist
The Florida House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously passed Rep. Bill Galvano’s Health Insurance Claims Payments bill that supporters say will increase access to health care in Florida.
State considers securities lawsuit, hires West Palm Beach firm
A West Palm Beach firm was hired by the state this morning to investigate a potential lawsuit against the broker-dealers who sold the state about $2 billion in securities.
EDITORIAL: Florida’s Budget and Tax Reform Commission isn’t living up to its name
ISSUE: Tax and budget reform panel completes work.
Thanks to the Florida Budget and Tax Reform Commission, Floridians will have to grapple with seven ballot questions in November that seem more about pushing warmed over ideology than implementing meaningful fiscal reform.
Changes in Florida condominium law await governor’s signature
Hundreds of Floridians who earlier this year told a statewide investigative committee about the horrors of their abusive condo and homeowner boards are about to see a payoff.
State mortgage fraud penalties hiked, tax help offered
In the wake of Florida’s real estate downturn and rapid rise in foreclosures, the state Senate passed a second bill in as many years Tuesday, increasing the penalties for those convicted of mortgage fraud.
Far-reaching energy measure clears House, but future iffy
The House unanimously approved a massive energy bill Tuesday, signaling the largest step by the state to address global climate change.
Lawmakers retain right to review major moves to curb emissions; Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to sign the bill into law.
For the first time in state history, Florida will be taking steps to curb greenhouse gases in a bill that is expected to head to Gov. Charlie Crist before the end of the week.
Transportation Bill With CSX Deal Wins House OK
House lawmakers voted 77-39 Tuesday to approve a transportation bill that includes purchase by the state of 61.5 miles of train tracks from CSX Transportation.
Crist to host climate change conference
Gov. Charlie Crist will hold his second climate change conference in Miami in June.
South Florida schools biggest losers in state budget
Of the myriad losers in a state budget that cuts a record $4 billion in spending, public education will lose the most — with Miami-Dade and Broward schools getting hit hardest of all.
When Florida legislators approve the state’s slimmed down budget this week, no one may be as proud as Sen. Mike Fasano.
Democrat Files To Challenge For House District 46 Seat
A lone Democrat has stepped forward to challenge incumbent state Rep. John Legg in the race for the District 46 seat in the general election Nov. 4.
Insurers, ‘Green’ Coalition Opposes Expanding Government Catastrophe Insurance
An unusual alliance of insurance and environmental groups is urging lawmakers to focus on policies that encourage property mitigation and environmental protection in catastrophe-prone areas, rather than expanding the government’s flood insurance or “bailing out” Florida’s catastrophe plan.
NAIC Commends NCSL Support of State Insurance Regulation
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recognizes the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for their commitment to state-based insurance regulation and important consumer-protection measures.
Guy Carpenter, WSI Release Service To Track Hurricanes
A new catastrophic weather service has been put in operation that will provide insurers with 10-day predictions regarding the path and intensity of hurricanes and named tropical storms, it was announced.
Lloyd’s Chair Talks Climate, Other Issues With Schwarzenegger
Lloyd’s Chairman Peter Levene met with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger yesterday at the state capital in Sacramento and discussed global warming and other insurance industry topics, a Lloyd’s spokesperson told National Underwriter.
Insurance changes advance in Colorado Legislature
Proposals for fundamental changes in the state’s insurance market advanced in the Colorado Legislature Tuesday as lawmakers lunged toward adjournment on May 7.