Insurers Outline 2007 Legislative Agenda

The Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma (IIAO), the state’s largest property and casualty insurance agents association, announced today its 2007 state legislative agenda. The Legislature convenes February 5th and marks the first time the State Senate has had equal membership of Democrats and Republicans – 24 members each. Republicans control the House of Representatives 57-44.

“The IIAO Legislative Committee has identified several issues that will improve the insurance industry in Oklahoma and the citizens we serve,” said IIAO President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Ramsey (pictured). “While our primary focus in 2007 is on issues related to the insurance industry, IIAO members also support continued reform to Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation and tort systems, which are needed to further create economic opportunity across Oklahoma.”

Ramsey said IIAO will focus on six issues during the legislative session:

Uninsured Motorists – IIAO supports any legislative effort to reduce the number of uninsured drivers on Oklahoma roads and highways, HB 3115, passed in 2006, established a pilot program that will provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to have instant verification of liability insurance for automobiles involved in an accident or stopped for a moving violation. IIAO supports HB 3115 as an excellent start to additional uninsured motorist reforms necessary.

Surplus Lines – IIAO supports legislation allowing consumers and their agents more access to insurance products from financially responsible non-admitted insurance companies that provide better insurance protection. HB 2375, passed in 2006, provides greater access to the surplus lines marketplace for insurance consumers and their agents.

Theft of copper tubing/wiring – IIAO supports legislation to help identify persons who sell bulk copper tubing/wiring to a salvage yard without identification and the source of where the tubing/wiring was obtained. The sizeable increase in the number of thefts of copper tubing/wiring in existing buildings and those under construction is costing property owners’ considerable expense in repairing the damaged building as well as lost income due to the inhabitability of such properties.

Repeal of O.S. 36, Section 4809 – IIAO supports legislation repealing penalties against agents if property owners in areas protected by rural fire protection districts fail to pay their subscription fees. Insurance agents, under current law, are held responsible if property owners fail to pay their subscription fees to their rural fire protection districts. IIAO feels it should not be agents’ responsibility to assure dues are paid. That responsibility should be a matter between the fire protection district and property owner.

Use of credit in the underwriting and rating of personal insurance – IIAO opposes legislation that removes the use of credit as a tool for underwriting and rating of personal insurance.

Health Insurance Mandates – IIAO opposes any additional mandates on health insurance policies as they only increase premiums and create more uninsured individuals.

“Our members are looking forward to a positive legislative session and working with legislators of both parties to address these issues which will greatly assist the insurance industry and the citizens of Oklahoma,” Ramsey said.

Share |