House Bill Joins Calls for Inspector General at Citizens

Florida Rep. David Richardson, D-Miami Beach, has filed the House companion bill that would fulfill Gov. Rick Scotts proposal to have an inspector general position created to oversee Citizens Property Insurance Corp.

Richardsons bill, House Bill 433, joins the bill filed last week by Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Wellington, Senate Bill 386.

After learning of severe managerial shortcomings at Citizens, including reports of lavish spending on travel, reports of severance packages for employees with abuse charges, and unprofessional behavior of staff, I immediately recognized the need for stronger state oversight, Richardson stated in a release.

Scott called for the position, along with requiring Citizens to adhere to state government travel rules, ban international travel and allow only essential employees to travel for board meetings, after receiving a 25-page report by his Chief Inspector Melinda Miguel on the travel expenses at Citizens.

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. President Barry Gilway has supported Abruzzos bill.