Special Session Call Expanded
October 1 , 2007

Moments ago, Governor Charlie Crist (R) announced at a press conference that he has expanded the call for the upcoming Special Session, which was slated to begin on Wednesday, October 3rd, to include the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) issue.  At the press conference the Governor also announced that there will likely be another Special Session later this month to address property tax reform.

Below is the press release and official proclamation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2007
 
CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

Governor Crist Expands Call for October 3 Special Session
to Include Personal Injury Protection
~ Announces Special Session for later in October to lower property taxes ~

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today expanded the call for the Special Session beginning October 3, 2007, to include Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, known as personal injury protection or PIP.  The session was originally called by the Legislature on September 28, 2007, to focus on the 2007-08 budget.
 
"Personal injury protection insurance is very important to the people of Florida, and $10,000 in coverage provides a minimum safeguard,” said Governor Crist.  “I am encouraging members of the House and Senate to reach consensus and ensure the continuation of this important consumer protection."
 
Governor Crist also announced that the Legislature will call a Special Session to be scheduled later in October to address property tax relief in time for a constitutional amendment to be placed on the January 29, 2008, ballot.
 
“By addressing property taxes before end of the month, we will ensure that the people of Florida have the opportunity to vote to lower their property taxes on January 29,” Governor Crist said. 
 
Please see the attached proclamation expanding the call of the October 3 Special Session.

PROCLAMATION
STATE OF FLORIDA
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
TALLAHASSEE

 
TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA SENATE
AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 
 
WHEREAS, the initial purpose of this Special Session was to consider legislation making adjustments to fiscal year 2007-2008 appropriations; legislation providing for the redirection of trust fund revenues and balances to the General Revenue Fund; legislation making adjustments to user fees; legislation to conform Florida law to such adjustments and redirections; and legislation narrowing the definition of “municipality of special financial concern” created by Section 8 of Chapter 2007-321, Laws of Florida.; and
 
WHEREAS, Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, and with it the requirement to maintain personal injury protection benefits expires on October 1, 2007; and
 
WHEREAS, reenactment of Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law with reforms designed to lower costs and eliminate fraud and abuse such as: minimum qualifications for care providers, a uniform claims process, a fee schedule to help control medical costs, increased enforcement authority and increased funding to crack down on fraud, and litigation reform aimed at streamlining the claims process and reducing legal costs, will serve the best interests of the people; and
 
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the people of the State of Florida to expand the call for this Special Session;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by Article III, Section 3(c)(1), Florida Constitution and Section 11.011, Florida Statutes, do hereby proclaim as follows:
 
The call to the Legislature of the State of Florida is expanded for the sole and exclusive purpose of considering the following:
 
HB 13C and any identical bill filed in the Senate, or other similar legislation which
reenacts, with reforms, the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault law, and any related public records measures deemed necessary by the Legislature.
 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have                                                                         hereunto set my hand and caused the
Great Seal of the State of Florida to be
affixed to this Proclamation expanding
the call to the Legislature in Special Session
at the Capitol, this 1st day of October, 2007.
 
 
_____________________________
GOVERNOR
 
ATTEST:  
 
__________________________
SECRETARY OF STATE