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RESOLUTION NO. 2024 - 8 & S I A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO FLORIDA SENATE BILL 472 AND FLORIDA HOUSE BILL 569 RELATING TO SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT COPIES OF THIS RESOLUTION; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO EFFECTUATE THIS RESOLUTION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the Florida Senator Brodeur has introduced Florida Senate Bill 472 ("SB 472") and Florida House Representative McFarland has introduced Florida House Bill 569 ("HB 569"), which propose to increase the statutory limits on liability for tort claims against the state, its agencies, and subdivisions, including cities, from $200,000 per person and $300,000 per incident to $400,000 per person and $600,000 per incident; and WHEREAS, SB 472 includes a provision to adjust these caps every five years starting July 1, 2029, based on changes in the regional Consumer Price Index; and WHEREAS, both bills propose significant revisions to current practices by allowing a subdivision of the state to settle a claim above the statutory limits without the need for a claims bill, narrowing the statute of limitations on negligence claims against government entities from four years to two years, and abolishing the common law doctrine of "home venue privilege"; and WHEREAS, the proposed increase in statutory limits on liability may lead to significantly higher insurance premiums for the City of Sunny Isles Beach (the "City"), thereby adversely affecting the City's financial stability and its ability to efficiently serve its residents; and WHEREAS, the proposed legislative changes, including the narrowing of the statute of limitations for negligence claims against government entities and the abolition of the common law doctrine of "home venue privilege," may result in an increase in litigation against the City, imposing additional financial burdens WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it is in the best interest of its residents to oppose HB 472 and HB 569. NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Express Opposition of Florida Senate Bill 472 and Florida House Bill 569. The City Commission hereby expresses its opposition of Florida Senate Bill 472 and Florida House Bill 569. Section 2. Direction to the City Clerk. The City Clerk is hereby directed to distribute copies of this Resolution to the Florida League of Cities, the President of the Florida Senate, and the Speaker of Florida House of Representatives, and the Governor of the State of Florida. Section 3. Authorization of the City Manager. The City Manager is hereby authorized to do all things necessary to effectuate the terms of this Resolution. @BCL@A40BABDD.docx Page 1 of 2 351