Florida Lawmakers Debate Raising Lawsuit Caps

0:00Stay informed in two minutes or less with Tava Bay News today from the Daily News Now. Florida faces a tough issue where people hurt by local governments like a man struck by a county bus or another severely beaten by police when big. Laws do settlements but can't collect most of it without lawmakers' help. State law caps payouts at $200,000 per person from cities, counties, and similar agencies unless the legislature approves more. Through special claim bills, this year legislators are reviewing eight claim bills for local government cases seeking a total of $47.2 million for injured residents and visitors. With the session ending March 13, they've approved only two so far, including one for the $2.3 million still owed to the K, man who lost both legs. Lawmakers are pushing reforms to raise those caps and simplify things. The House passed a bill by a wide margin to increase the per person limit to $500,000 and $1 million per incident.

1:00The Senate advances version Tuesday, lifting it to $350,000 per person and $500,000 per incident. These limits haven't changed since 2011 and past efforts stalled over local budget fears. Supporters counter that inflation makes the old caps outdated and that higher automatic payouts would spare victims years of lobbying and hearings, rooted in old, sovereign immunity rules. Even with insurance, victims often head roadblocks as policies may only cover up to the cap without legislative okay. While local leaders worry about rising costs and more claims, some key figures back the changes to better compensate those seriously harmed, special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Your pillow, your podcast, your moment made for listening and bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.