SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1084

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Financial Services, Insurance & Housing, March 27, 2003

Title: An act relating to regulating automobile insurance.

Brief Description: Regulating automobile insurance.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter, Benson and Schual-Berke; by request of Insurance Commissioner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Financial Services, Insurance & Housing: 3/20/03, 3/27/03 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES, INSURANCE & HOUSING

Majority Report: Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Benton, Chair; Winsley, Vice Chair; Keiser, Prentice, Roach and Zarelli.

Staff: Alison Mendiola-Hamilton (786-7576)

Background: Historically, personal injury protection insurance requirements were listed only in state regulations, not statute. As a result of negotiations between the insurance industry and consumer advocates, the regulations were codified in RCW 48.22. There is concern that the resulting statute is not as user-friendly as stakeholders had hoped.

Summary of Bill: Minor revisions are made to the personal injury protection requirements with the intent of clarifying the application of the law. There are no changes in coverage requirements.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This bill is really a technical clean-up of the personal injury protection (PIP) statute to make it more user friendly for consumers, stakeholders, and staff alike.

Testimony Against: None.

Testified: PRO: Lisa Smegu, Insurance Commissioner.