BILL WOULD MAKE COMPLAINTS AGAINST CARRIERS CONFIDENTIAL.

Among the many bills sent to Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt’s desk on the final day of the session is one that would make consumer complaints about insurance companies confidential. Supporters say that House Bill 388 is about consumer privacy. But some lawmakers say it would primarily benefit insurance companies, making it harder for consumers to learn about alleged wrongdoing.

The bill would close consumer complaints filed with the state insurance department, as well as any documents filed with the agency related to an investigation of an insurance company. Those documents could be obtained only through a subpoena or if the department director opts to release them in the public interest.