The Professional Insurance Agents of Georgia has issued a legislative watch list detailing which bills are of interest to the insurance industry. Civil justice reform and medical malpractice insurance continue to capture a large portion of media headlines and public attention according to PIA of Georgia.
Bills have been introduced in both the Senate and the House that the authors hope will improve Georgia’s insurance climate; thus bringing more carriers to the state and relieve what some have called a med-mal crisis.
PIA’s leadership, working directly with Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and his staff suggested acceptable insurance producer disclosures language. While some of the original language in the NAIC model legislation is unacceptable to both the commissioner and PIA, an Enhanced Insurance Producer Disclosure (based on NAIC model) offers greater protection. PIA has advised the bill’s author of its support of the enhanced Georgia language.
PIA’s update indicated that the following legislation is of direct concern:
S.B. 3 – Civil Justice Reform: Tort reform bill that places caps on non-economic awards in malpractice lawsuits, tightens requirements on expert witnesses, and addresses venue. Passed by Senate; passed out of Special House Committee on Civil Justice Reform. Continues on the fast track toward passage.
S.B. 11 – Workers’ Compensation: Premium discount for insured with drug-free workplace program, so as to remove the existing eight-year limitation on the application of the discount. Assigned to Senate Insurance and Labor Committee.
S.B. 19 – Class Action Lawsuits: Provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations on certification of class actions. Assigned to Senate Judiciary Committee.
S.B. 22 – Malpractice Insurance: Medical malpractice insurance rate filings.
S.B. 76 – The bill to watch, it will see action. This bill concerns med-mal rates and requires prior approval for med-mal rate changes. It is assigned to Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
H.B. 200 – Subsequent Injury Trust Fund: Changes end-date to April 15. Favorably reported out of the House Committee on Industrial Relations.
Topics Legislation Georgia
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