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Committee backs amendment preserving $20M reserve for NICA funding stability
Summary
Lawmakers advanced HB1291 after adopting an amendment that removes the bill's fiscal impact and preserves a $20 million reserve for the Florida Birth‑Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA); sponsor said the change maintains actuarial soundness triggers in current law.
The subcommittee reported House Bill 1291 favorably after adopting an amendment that, according to the sponsor, removes the bill’s fiscal impact and returns the measure to current law while preserving a $20,000,000 reserve.
Representative Anderson told members the Florida Birth‑Related Neurological Injury Compensation Association (NICA) provides lifetime benefits to families of children who suffer birth‑related neurological injuries, and without legislative action the program could fall below actuarial soundness. Anderson said current statutes allow funding remedies but lack clear triggers and guidelines for implementation and that HB1291 addresses those gaps.
Representative Anderson presented amendment barcode 654831 to eliminate the fiscal impact and preserve a $20 million reserve; the panel approved the amendment with no recorded opposition. Melissa Jacks (NICA) waved in support during public testimony.
The sponsor closed, the clerk called the roll, and the committee reported HB1291 favorably. The transcript records support from NICA and no formal opposition in committee.
