If they convene, lawmakers would take up laws about insurance and looting in the wake of recent hurricanes.
By Associated Press
Published September 9, 2004
TALLAHASSEE - Florida lawmakers are likely to meet in early December to consider changes to state laws dealing with insurance premiums and looting.
The state, however, probably has enough money in the bank to deal with its share of the disaster cleanup bill, a legislative leader said. Florida's 160 state lawmakers will be in the Capitol anyway in December, for a week of meetings to prepare for the regular two-month session that starts in early March.
Gov. Jeb Bush had considered calling lawmakers into a special session in December to consider universal prekindergarten options. He said problems or needs that have surfaced because of hurricanes Charley and Frances could be added to the agenda.
Incoming House Speaker Allan Bense, R-Panama City, said Wednesday he thought December would be the right time.
"I think the governor is looking ... at the issues surrounding Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Frances - and I hope that's all in terms of hurricanes," Bense said.
Bense said Florida was "in a healthy position" to deal with the storms' aftermath.
Florida has nearly $1-billion in a savings account reserved for budget shortfalls and emergencies. But the state probably won't have to dip into that fund because it has almost as much - about $900-million - in its short-term savings account.
Bense said it also appeared that the state's hurricane catastrophic fund will have enough resources, either on hand or through bonding.
The backup fund, essentially reinsurance for insurance companies, will still have $5-billion in cash after paying out about $1-billion for Charley backup. If that's still not enough, the fund can issue bonds for up to $9-billion more.
Bense said state lawmakers may deal with issues like adjustments to property values and tougher punishments for price gouging or looting.
Another issue likely to be tackled in a special session is a rule that currently requires people who suffer damage in two different hurricanes to pay two deductibles before being reimbursed for repairs.
Several top officials have said that seems unfair - if a roof damaged by one storm is hit by a second storm before it is repaired, a homeowner could be easily be on the hook for the entire repair cost because of the double deductible.
