Senate backs changes in loans, workers’ comp

TALLAHASSEE — Meeting in a rare Saturday session, the Florida Senate approved revamping regulations for payday loans and supported expanding workers’ compensation insurance benefits for police and firefighters who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Senators voted 31-5 to pass a measure (SB 920) that would allow payday lenders to make larger loans for longer periods of time. The industry-backed proposal also has sailed through House committees, though it has drawn opposition from some consumer advocates.

The bill would allow the businesses to make “installment” loans up to $1,000, with repayment over 60 to 90 days. Current law limits the high-interest loans to $500 for periods of seven to 31 days.

The issue now goes to the House, with the 60-day legislative session scheduled to end Friday.

Senators also voted on a measure that would expand workers’ compensation benefits for first responders who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (SB 376).

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Lauren Book, D-Plantation, was approved 33-0. The House on Friday also took up its version (HB 227) and is poised to give approval.

Under state workers’ compensation laws, injured workers generally cannot receive benefits for mental or nervous injuries unless accompanied by physical injuries, according to a Senate staff analysis. First responders, however, may receive benefits for medical treatment of mental or nervous injuries without physical injuries. But they may not receive benefits for lost wages.

The bill would allow law-enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics to receive benefits for lost wages under certain circumstances if they suffer from PTSD.