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PIP deal survives political tumult

The Legislature is poised to revive no-fault laws that expired on Monday, saving a deal that was nearly derailed late Thursday over a last-minute disagreement over limiting attorney fees.

Earlier on Thursday a House committee decided to cap how much attorneys can make, in spite of being told such limits are the one thing that the Senate won't stand for in legislation to re-enact mandatory personal injury protection (PIP). State law no longer requires drivers to carry PIP, which covers $10,000 worth of injuries no matter who is at fault.

Gov. Charlie Crist called the special session of the Legislature to revive no-fault auto insurance laws, as lawmakers also vote to cut $1-billion from the state budget.

The controversial provisions would have capped attorney fees, a move favored by many House Republicans. But a deal negotiated by Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, and Sen. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, before the special session specifically excluded that contentious provision.

Read story from St. Petersburg Times