The Automobile Insurance Agents of Texas reported that just one day after several AIAT members testified on behalf of Senate Bill 1670, the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security unanimously voted for the measure. SB 1670, authored by Sen. Todd Staples, calls for the implementation of an Uninsured Motorist Verification System.
“According to DPS, approximately 20 percent of the drivers do not carry mandatory liability insurance,” Sen. Staples said , “We have to remember that driving is a privilege, not a right, and with that right comes personal responsibility.”
Similar legislation was recently passed in Georgia. After implementation of their Electronic Insurance Compliance System, the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicle Safety reported only a 2.5 percent uninsured motorist ratio. Prior to the system implementation, the uninsured motorist ratio was estimated to be between 15 percent and 30 percent, the AIAT said.
SB 1670 now goes to the Senate floor. If passed by the Senate, the bill will be sent over to the House of Representatives, where it would likely be assigned to the House Transportation Committee.
The House Transportation Committee heard favorable testimony on the companion bill, HB 2573, on April 5. If the House passes the measure, it is sent to the governor, who has three options: Sign the bill into law, don’t sign it and it automatically goes into law, or veto it.
The last day for the governor to sign or veto a bill is June 19, 2005.
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