Home stretch may define lawmakers

...Durell Peaden, a Crestview Republican who chairs a budget committee on health and human services.The House and Senate will consider dozens of other bills, some big and some small, during the final week.As an example, they could pass a tax bill that includes relief for Volusia County residents whose homes were destroyed or heavily damaged during recent tornadoes.More broadly, lawmakers are considering proposals such as making further changes in the property insurance system and revamping the state's auto insurance system.The auto insurance issue has touched off a lobbying food fight, as lawmakers are deciding whether to keep the state's decades-old no-fault system.

That system - also known as the personal injury protection, or PIP, system - covers at least part of the medical costs of people injured in auto accidents.Many insurance companies want to repeal the no-fault system, arguing it is riddled with fraud.

They also argue such a change would save money for insurance customers."PIP is a ripoff," said Mark Delegal, a lobbyist for State Farm.

"The people of Florida are getting ripped off."But getting rid of the system could leave some motorists without insurance to cover injuries suffered in accidents.

As a result, medical providers, including hospitals, chiropractors and physical therapists, are heavily lobbying on the issue."Yo...

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