SB 1002 - Relating to Motor Vehicle Glass.

On Wednesday, April 19, SB 1002 by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) was amended and passed on the Senate Floor. The amendment makes the proposed law go into effect upon approval by the Governor instead of on July 1, 2023. The amendment passed by a voice vote. The bill was reported favorably with 40 yeas and 0 nays.

This bill provides that a motor vehicle repair shop may not offer a customer a rebate, gift, gift card, cash, coupon, or other item of value in exchange for making an insurance claim for motor vehicle glass replacement or repair. The bill also prohibits the assignment of benefits for auto glass repairs.

SB 1002 has no further action in the Senate. The House companion, HB 541, awaits further approval on the House Floor.

AIF supports efforts by the legislature to bring more transparency and fairness in the auto repair market between insurance providers and policy holders. Litigation should not be auctioned off frivolously when the alternative is better for the policy holder in the long run.

For more information on AIF’s efforts relating to Tort Reform, please visit AIF | Tort Reform.

SB 908- Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act of 2023

On Wednesday, April 19, SB 908 by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Miami) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorably with 18 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill amends the definition of “critical infrastructure facility” to include a deepwater port or a railroad switching yard.

SB 908 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration. The House companion, HB 645, will be heard on the House Floor on Thursday, April 20.

AIF supports adding greater protection for Florida’s deepwater ports and railyards by including them and their facilities as critical infrastructure in Florida law.

HB 593 – Relating to Criminal History Information

On Wednesday, April 19, HB 593 by Representative Spencer Roach (R-Fort Myers) was heard by the House Judiciary Committee and was reported favorably with 18 yeas and 1 nay. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill revises the process for a court-ordered sealing of a criminal record to allow a person to petition a court to seal a criminal history record if the record has been automatically sealed by the State of Florida and the subject of the sealed record presents a certificate of sealing issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

HB 593 will now go to the House Floor for consideration. The Senate counterpart, SB 376, awaits further consideration by the Senate Rules Committee.

In order to prevent confusion and difficulty for employers and employees, AIF supports legislative efforts that allows individuals with sealed records at the State level to petition local government be sealed at the local level as well.