Oklahoma Agents Group Outlines Legislative Interests for 2011

The Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma (IIAO) is following a number of insurance related measures that have been introduced in the current state legislative session. According to IIAO President and CEO Dan Ramsey, the agents group is keeping tabs on the following insurance issues:

Health Insurance – 21 bills. IIAO believes that several of the bills will ultimately drive up the cost of health insurance, such as those with mandates for additional coverage, “any willing provider,” and rate regulation. Of particular note is SB960 by Senator Brown (R) from Broken Arrow, which would set the guidelines for the creation of a health insurance exchange. Ramsey said the National Association of Health Underwriters has produced an excellent blueprint for the exchanges that the legislature should utilize as it develops this important legislation.

Automobile Insurance – 16 bills. Three of the bills represent “no pay/no play” which was passed two years ago, but vetoed by former Gov. Brad Henry. IIAO supports passage of a proposal this year. Several bills have been introduced that will roll back the MVR fees from $25 to $10, which IIAO also supports. HB2080 by Representative Key (R) from OKC would eliminate stacking of uninsured motorist limits. There are several bills that will make tougher penalties for uninsured drivers.

Workers’ Compensation – 20 bills. The measures range from moving from the current court system to an administrative system to allowing an employer to opt-out of the current system and make workers’ compensation insurance optional. There are several bills that would change the makeup of the Workers’ Compensation Court. Three bills would privatize CompSource Oklahoma – two through a sale and one by mutualization. Ramsey said it is too early to tell which bills will survive or what they will ultimately look like, but there is a great deal of interest in reforming the current system. Gov. Mary Fallin has expressed interest in reform.

Other Insurance – 41 bills related to general insurance matters. HB1243 and SB407 would change continuing education requirements. IIAO has expressed concerns about the current law. The group has been successful in getting legislation pulled or at least put on hold that would repeal the law that allows insurance companies to use credit information as part of their underwriting and rating for personal lines. IIAO is discussing the problems with Certificates of Insurance and is trying to find a legislative “fix” to the problems agents are having in servicing their clients. Lawsuit reform, like workers’ compensation, is generating a great deal of interest. Bills include changing the joint and several liability law and capping non-economic damages. Like workers’ compensation, IIAO expects only one bill to remain at the end of the session that would change the tort system.

Source: Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma

Topics Legislation Agencies Workers' Compensation Oklahoma