Lawsuit abuse reform slowed down this week as bills started to get jammed up in committee. Three weeks remain in the legislative session, which ends on March 13, and an uphill battle remains to get issues across the finish line. Here is what continued to move during week six.
Accuracy in Damages
The House Commerce Committee moved HB 9, accuracy in damages, by Representative Tom Leek out of committee Thursday, while the Senate bill was temporarily postponed due to lack of votes in its third of four committee stops. It’s unclear if the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will meet again to consider SB 1668. These bills would allow juries to see the amount usually and customarily paid for a medical service, in addition to the amount billed.
Litigation Financing
Litigation financing was held up in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee with several amendments as the clock ran out on the committee. SB 1828 by Senator Doug Broxson protects consumers from these payday loans of the lawsuit industry. The Senate bill still has three committee stops remaining, however it’s believed the majority of substantive committees will not meet during weeks seven through nine. The House companion, HB 7041, has one committee hearing remaining which is the House Commerce Committee.
Asbestos Trust Claims
Asbestos Trust Claims continued to move this week with a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. SB 1582 brings transparency to the trust claim process and ensures that claims move legitimately and more quickly through the judicial process.
Motor Vehicle Dealers
Motor Vehicle Dealers zipped through its second of three committee hearings in the Senate this week. The bill clarifies that the dangerous instrumentality doctrine does not apply to loaner vehicles while a car is being serviced by a motor vehicle dealer. This exemption already applies to vehicle leases. Both the House and Senate bill have one committee stop remaining.
The Florida Chamber will continue the fight to improve Florida’s bottom-five legal climate. Now is the time to contact your lawmaker and ask for meaningful lawsuit abuse reform this session.
Ensure Your Voice Is Heard
The Florida Chamber is leading Florida’s lawsuit abuse reform efforts, and your support is essential to demonstrating how Florida’s legal climate harms businesses and families. Click here to share which legal climate issues are most important to you.