Legislators Scramble to Save PIP
Jennifer Liberto
St. Petersburg Times
Sep 13, 2007
TALLAHASSEE -- When it comes to the demise of the state's no-fault automobile insurance system, apparently it ain't over till it's over.
With the looming Oct. 1 sunset of "PIP" laws mandating drivers carry $10,000 auto injury coverage (which covers medical expenses no matter who caused a crash), a flurry of last-minute, behind-the-scenes salvage efforts are under way. This week, the governor's office and a small group of House Republicans and House Democrats have organized new efforts.
The chances of saving the state's no-fault system grow dimmer each day, especially now that a special session for this month has been called off.
Yet, on Wednesday, the governor's office invited 30 to 40 people from industries affected by the state's no-fault laws to an all-day "pow-wow" in hopes of finding common ground. No solution emerged, but the groups opened a more frank dialogue that could lead to a compromise by the spring session.
"The governor is addressing PIP and trying to facilitate discussion and develop an agreement," said Chris Kise, the governor's chief legal counsel. Kise added the governor is also encouraged to hear that the House and Senate "remain engaged on the issue."
Meanwhile, this week, a small group of House Republicans started counting heads to see if they have enough Republicans willing to join House Democrats to pass a blanket one-year extension of the state's no-fault laws, until the Legislature returns in the spring to try to fix it again. The idea is to take that list to Gov. Charlie Crist, who has said publicly that he's unwilling to call a special session on auto insurance unless he sees a consensus.
"At the end of the day, this all comes down to counting noses," said Rep. Kevin Ambler of Lutz, who is working with Rep. Julio Robaina of Miami and Rep. Bill Galvano of Bradenton to save PIP.
Meanwhile, House Democrats have flirted with the idea of trying to force a special session using a rare procedure. First, 20 percent of the chambers would formally ask the secretary of state to survey the entire Legislature; then, if three-fifths of the membership say they're willing to return to Tallahassee for a special session on a particular issue, a special session is called.
Usually, the governor, by himself, or the House speaker and Senate president jointly call a special session.
Robaina said he wouldn't be willing to agree to such a poll, because "it circumvents leadership." He is floating proposed legislation that looks identical to one that was passed by the Legislature but vetoed by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2006.