Declarations

April 4, 2016

Delaware Bulletin

“All Delawareans should have access to quality health care, regardless of their gender identity.”

— Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart on prohibiting health insurers from unlawfully discriminating against transgender Delawareans. Stewart said in her March 23 bulletin that any blanket policy exclusion for gender dysphoria, gender identity disorder, medically necessary surgeries or other treatments related to gender transition or related services is a violation of the Unfair Trade Practices Act.

Unconstitutional Curfews

“Unconstitutional gang injunction curfews forced several thousand black and brown residents of Los Angeles indoors on a nightly basis.”

— Olu K. Orange, an attorney for the plaintiffs in a massive lawsuit, said a decision by the city to spend up to $30 million to settle is a step toward recognizing that they matter.

South Dakota Ridesharing

“Many insurers have jumped at the opportunity to design products to meet the needs of this new insurance market.”

— Melanie Smith, state affairs regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), praised South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard for signing a law requiring commercial rideshare drivers to carry insurance for all phases of the rideshare experience. South Dakota is the 32nd state to approve such legislation.

Oklahoma Budget Crisis

“Due to efficiency and conservative spending, our unspent funds went to the other agencies and programs that desperately needed it. We will continue to do all we can to help Oklahoma weather this financial storm.”

— With the state facing a massive budget crisis, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak has requested that the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID) no longer receive funds from the state. He said his office has the ability to function on the licensing fees it collects.

Drunk Driver Crackdown

“As a state, we’re definitely growing stronger in our crackdown on drunk drivers through our partnerships, through legislation and through public awareness. We see all that collaboration is helping.”

— Katie Richie, program director for the Tennessee division of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, on drunk driving arrests and fatalities. Tennessee saw 1,800 fewer arrests in 2015 than in 2014 and 165 fewer drunk driving arrests.

Topics Oklahoma

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Insurance Journal Magazine April 4, 2016
April 4, 2016
Insurance Journal Magazine

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