CFO Patronis Legislative Update for March 14, 2023

Legislative Update for March 14, 2023:

Senate Bill 236 – Civil Remedies (Senator Hutson) – This bill initiates standards for bad faith actions, reduces statute of limitations for negligence actions, and introduces requirements for damage recovery.

• Senate Bill 236 was reported favorable in the Senate Judiciary today.

Senate Bill 306 – Catalytic Converters (Senator Boyd) – This bill creates the "Catalytic Converter Antitheft Act"; which addresses tampering with and theft of a catalytic converter, a device the bill defines as an emission control device that is designed to be installed and operate in a motor vehicle to convert toxic gases and pollutants in the motor vehicle’s exhaust system into less toxic substances. 

• Senate Bill 306 was reported favorable in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice today.

Senate Bill 52 – Student Use of Social Media (Senator Burgess) – This legislation requires public schools to provide instruction on social media safety, and defines “social media” as a form of interactive electronic communication through an Internet website or application.

• Senate Bill 52 was reported favorable in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Education today.

House Bill 541 – Post-lost Benefit Assignments Under Motor Vehicle Insurance Policies (Representative Griffitts Jr.) – This bill prohibits policyowners from entering post-loss benefit assignment agreements under motor vehicle insurance policies issued on or after specified date; provides such assignment agreements are void, invalid, & unenforceable.

• House Bill 541 was reported favorable in the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee today.

House Bill 379 – Technology in K-12 Public Schools (Representative Yeager) – This bill requires a district school board to prohibit any device used by a student from accessing a website, application, or software that does not have an Internet safety policy.

• House Bill 379 was reported favorable in the House Education and Employment Committee today.

House Bill 3 – Government and Corporate Activism (Representative Rommel) – This legislation bill will limit the ability of Florida financial institutions to make investment decisions based on ESG standards.

• House Bill 3 was reported favorable in the House State Affairs Committee today.

To view CFO Patronis’ 2023 “Keep Florida Free” Legislative Priorities, click HERE.

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About CFO Jimmy Patronis 
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).