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Governor Ron DeSantis refused to pass the state legislature’s proposed changes to auto insurance.
On Tuesday evening, DeSantis used his veto pen for the second time after this year’s legislative session, defeating four bills. Among them was the SB 54, which would have removed the long-standing requirement for all drivers to purchase $ 10,000 in injury protection. Instead, the measure would have required motorists to purchase up to $ 25,000 in liability coverage for death or personal injury.
In DeSantis’ veto statement, he wrote that the system “has flaws”, but the measure has not addressed those issues. DeSantis also noted that the bill “could have unintended consequences that would negatively impact both the market and consumers.”
The measure was adopted by a large majority in both chambers. The Senate vote was 37-3. And the House approved it by 100-16.
Supporting lawmakers explained during the session that the system needs to be updated.
“The question is: are the current coverage levels sufficient? Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephryhills) said during the session. “We know they are not and that is what this bill seeks to address.”
The changes would not have applied to motorcyclists, who are not required to purchase insurance.
The current model of the state is known as the “no-fault” system. It was developed in the 1960s and implemented in 1979. It provides automatic medical coverage for injured people following an accident.
The state is one of a dozen “no-fault” states that do not require drivers to purchase personal injury coverage, according to the bill’s analysis.
Now that the governor has vetoed the measure, she will return to the Senate. The legislator could override the veto with a 2/3 majority vote in both chambers.
DeSantis also vetoed on Tuesday proposed civic education changes and bills that would have allowed arrested minors to have their cases sealed and expunged after the completion of a diversion program.
The governor previously vetoed a bill that would have put $ 1 billion in federal pandemic assistance into the state’s rainy day fund for future disasters and emergencies. The federal government is forcing states to spend this money.
In total, DeSantis vetoed five of the 275 bills passed by the legislature.
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