TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As we reach the midpoint of the 2020 Legislative Session, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlights important progress to help prevent cancer in our firefighters, protect Florida families from predatory practices after a disaster, safeguarding DNA data, support Florida's law enforcement community, and cracking down on fraud targeting Florida’s veterans.   CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “We’re now half way through the 2020 Regular Legislative Session, and we've been fighting hard to protect our first responders and every Florida family. After a disaster, Florida laws should favor Floridians, NOT insurance companies, public adjusters, and attorneys. Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way each day and we must give them the tools they need to fight their most terrifying of battles: cancer. Our veterans also deserve to know we have their backs when they're targeted by criminals wanting to steal their benefits. That is what we have been fighting for as we hit the halfway point of the 2020 legislative session and what we will continue to fight for until the last day.   “Thank you to our bill sponsors and our legislative team for their tireless work in advocating for the issues important to Floridians. Together, we continue to build a better, stronger Florida.”   2020 Legislative Update   Protecting Florida’s Insurance Consumers The Consumer Protection Bill (SB 1492 by Sen. Tom Wright and HB 1137 by Rep. Chuck Clemons) passed committees in the House and Senate last week. HB 1137 has passed all committees of reference and is headed to the House Floor. SB 1492 has one remaining committee. One of CFO Patronis’ top priorities is to empower Florida’s insurance consumers and eliminate claims delays, especially following a storm.   Supporting Florida’s Firefighters Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant Program bills (HB 487 by Rep. Elizabeth Fetterhoff and SB 1092 by Sen. Aaron Bean) are moving through the process, with HB 487 on the calendar for second reading in the House. This legislation builds on CFO and State Fire Marshal Patronis’ cancer prevention initiative to protect Florida’s firefighters from this deadly disease.   Protecting Veterans from Fraud and Scams The Florida Veterans Protection Act (SB 294 by Sen. Tom Wright and HB 167 by Rep. Bobby Payne) were found favorable in their committees of reference and each have been placed on the calendar for second reading in their respective chambers. CFO Patronis is supporting this important legislation to protect Florida’s 1.5 million Veterans from fraud and scams.   Supporting Law Enforcement Officers Bills regarding Law Enforcement Vehicles (SB 476 by Sen. Ed Hooper and HB 307 by Rep. Bobby Payne) passed the House and Senate and are headed to the Governor. CFO Patronis stands with law enforcement on this important legislation.   Securing Data Privacy for Floridians HB 1189 (Rep. Chris Sprowls) Genetic Information for Insurance Purposes passed on the House floor. CFO Patronis supports measures to protect Floridians DNA data from falling into the wrong hands or being used against consumers in insurance matters.   Protecting Sexual Harassment Victims Legislation to Protect Victims of Sexual Harassment (CS/HB 1077 by Rep. Chip LaMarca) passed the House Commerce Committee, which bolsters whistleblower protections for victims of sexual harassment by prohibiting the dissemination of any personal identifying information.

About CFO Jimmy Patronis  Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and Twitter (@FLDFS).