Sinkhole Repair Bill Clears Latest Committee Despite Lingering Concerns
By James L. Rosica, Tampa Tribune, Fla. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The General Government Appropriations subcommittee approved the bill (SB 416) by a vote of 10-3. Three Democrats voted against the legislation:
Some Republicans, including
The measure, which was amended at least six times in the span of Wednesday's meeting, aims at a simple purpose: To ensure that sinkhole damage is fixed properly and within a reasonable time.
Policyholders with a sinkhole claim could select from a prescreened pool of qualified contractors, who would guarantee their repairs with a 5-year warranty, backed by Citizens.
The committee approved the bill on the same day Citizens announced a multimillion-dollar settlement with more than 300 policyholders over sinkhole repair disputes lodged against the insurer.
The
Under the settlement, Citizens "will pay for underground repairs as recommended by a professional engineer, who will monitor repair work and order any additional underground repairs deemed necessary," the company said in a statement.
"Policyholders will be allowed to choose a contractor from a pre-approved list. Citizens also will pay for any additional above ground damage caused by the sinkhole repair."
Bill sponsor
He also wants to prevent homeowners from pocketing money from claim checks without fixing their homes.
She also objected to the creation of another bureaucracy, referring to the management of a sinkhole repair program.
"Put this to bed today and let it die," Rocco said.
But
The bill might not help her, "but it will help my neighbors," said Winfield, who now works for a sinkhole stabilization contractor.
The measure will next be considered by the full Appropriations committee in the
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