Insurer Group Deems Kansas 2010 Legislative Session ‘Successful’

The Kansas Legislature’s 2010 session has been a successful one for property/casualty insurers, according to the insurer trade group, the American Insurance Association (AIA).

Among the issues that had concerned P/C insurers were proposals to limit or eliminate the insurer wage credit against premium taxes. AIA joined with the Kansas Insurance Department in successfully defending the tax credit.

In addition, AIA said it successfully opposed legislation concerning an auto liability verification system that would have required insurers to pay for road damage and attempts to increase workers’ compensation benefits.

In addition, AIA supported a favorable insurance credit scoring bill that included “extraordinary life circumstances” provisions contained within an amendment recently adopted as part of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Model Act Regarding Use of Credit Information in Personal Insurance. AIA also supported adoption of HB 2130 which allows for the primary enforcement of seat belt use as well as SB 300 which bans texting while driving.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that text messaging has been banned for all drivers in 24 states and the District of Columbia, while cell phone use has been restricted for novice drivers in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

The Kansas Legislature’s 2010 Session official Sine Die adjournment date is May 28 up until which time it may consider addressing any bills which have been vetoed.

Source: American Insurance Association