SB 1276 – Litigation Financing

On Wednesday, February 7, SB 1276 by Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) was heard by the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee and was passed, on a mostly party-line vote, with nearly all Democrats voting against with the exception being Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) who voted for the bill. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

SB 1276 repeals the practice known as litigation financing. Third party litigation financing is an issue that stems from out of state firms funding and controlling litigation in Florida. Firms operating like Wall Street venture capitalists find plaintiffs and buy a percentage of a lawsuit. As a co-plaintiff on the case, litigation financiers are able to negotiate the best outcome for their interest, not the plaintiff. In addition to causing widespread and frivolous lawsuits, this practice can cause litigation to be drawn out for years, costing businesses and Floridians billions.

SB 1276 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that ends the practice of litigation financing in Florida. Big money firms profit from suing Florida’s businesses, costing billions in nuclear verdicts and massive settlements.

HB 1051 – Housing for Agricultural Workers

On Wednesday, February 7, HB 1051 by Representative Kaylee Tuck (R-Lake Placid) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably with 18 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

HB 1051 addresses several housing issues that directly impact agricultural operations in the state. The bill would make it unlawful for a local government to inhibit the construction or installment of housing for H-2A program workers.

HB 1051 will now go to the House Infrastructure Strategies Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that provides protections for farmers against rogue local governments that impose regulations that are overbearing and impede the functionality of agricultural producers.