Last Call for 12.6.22 — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics

Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.

First Shot

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has put assignment of benefits agreements in the crosshairs.

Patronis, a Republican, spoke to attendees at the Florida Chamber’s 2022 Insurance Summit, where he outlined the current state of the insurance market and potential ways to stabilize it.

“While we’ve made some great strides over the last few years, we still have bad actors that continue to drive up rates. And in my opinion, there’s still much work to be done,” he said.

“In addition to targeting the financial incentives that drive up litigation, we must continue to readdress insurance and reinsurance issues and ensure that Citizens (Property Insurance Corp.) truly stays the insurer of last resort.”

The CFO, whose department houses the Office of Insurance Regulation, said the Legislature has the appetite to tackle reinsurance solutions and bad-faith lawsuit reform. But most importantly, he said, “we need to eliminate AOBs once and for all.”

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Rep. Dianne Hart is elevating her service to Black lawmakers beyond Florida.

Has been elected to serve as the Caucus Regional Director for Region 6 of the National Caucus of Black State Legislators.

Hart, a Tampa Democrat who is beginning her third term in the Florida House, is the current Chair of Florida’s Legislative Black Caucus. Last week, she traveled to Las Vegas for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators legislative conference for workshops and training to help her in that role. By the end of the conference, she was returning as the new national regional director, serving constituents in Florida and Georgia.

“I’m honored to serve in this new role,” Hart said. “I look forward to not only advancing the causes of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, but assisting our colleagues in Georgia accomplish their goals for the betterment of their constituents.”

Now, Hart will be the one facilitating workshops, training, advocacy and more.

The bipartisan Florida Legislative Black Caucus elected Hart as its leader last month after former Rep. Kamia Brown, who the caucus had previously elected, lost her election to the Senate.

Evening Reads

—“Toll credit program in mix as legislative leaders issue proclamation for Special Session” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics

—“House Jan. 6 Committee to issue criminal referrals, Chairman says” via Luke Broadwater of The New York Times

—“Herschel Walker is an American tragedy” via Caroline Randall Williams for The Atlantic

—“Trump Org. guilty on all counts in New York criminal tax fraud trial” via Erin Durkin of POLITICO

—“‘Focused on the Senate’: Rick Scott rules out 2024 presidential run” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics

—“State regulators place United Property and Casualty under administrative supervision” via Gray Rohrer of Florida Politics

—“House Speaker Paul Renner: ‘We will not allow Florida’s insurance market to fail’” via Josh Miller of The Florida Standard

—“New Florida laws on classroom topics make teaching about the holidays trickier” via Jeffrey S. Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times

—“Battle of the birds: Scrub jay bill flies again” via Renzo Downey of Florida Politics

—“Bullet hole found in Mayor Lenny Curry’s office window at Jacksonville City Hall” via Action News Jax

—“Sales tax for transportation on ballot in 2024? Jerry Demings: ‘I will not rule it out’” via Stephen Hudak of the Orlando Sentinel

—“Florida beach erosion uncovers wooden ship from 1800s” via Mike Schneider and Freida Frisaro of The Associated Press

Quote of the Day

“We’re peace, love, and dove. Nobody was shooting out of the airplane, that I can assure you.”

— Save Southern Heritage spokesperson Kirk D. Lyons on the bullet holes found near Lenny Curry’s office at Jacksonville City Hall.

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