How Many Miles in a Day Does a Lobbyist Travel?

This has been a very busy week for Joe and I.  Primarily we’ve been working on HB 1607 where USAA wants to be able to cancel insurance policies electronically.  We have recommended an amendment that would essentially protect insurance agents from customers who  inadvertently send “new” addresses to the agent….but not the company.  There’s an interesting – if not unexpected – split among the committee from those who don’t believe that electronic delivery should be treated any differently  then mail and those who don’t believe cancellation notices should be allowed at all by e-mail.  Having said that we have worked out an arrangement with the bill’s sponsor – Tim Hugo – that he would accept our amendment but would place a sunset clause it.  So in three years we’ll have to prove our case again. 

All told this has again taught Joe and I that there are those who frankly are willing to stretch the truth significantly in order to get their positions accepted by legislators.  I would especially like to thank those of you who contacted your delegates on this issue.  It was obvious that our messages had been heard and actually opened some doors that previously had been closed to us.  Again, your contacts were essential.

Otherwise we have been working on getting a wide range of groups on board with our health care bill regulating navigators.  Working with Bill Gray – lobbyist for the Health Underwriters – it looks like we have agreement among many groups and at least not vehement opposition from the Bureau of Insurance which it was clear that we had with our original bill.

In this week’s Legislative Table I draw your attention to the tort reform measures that passed the House  Courts Committee this week after a full court press by business group coalition – of which IIAV is a member.  Several of these bills have been attempted for many years without success and could stand to further improve the business climate in Virginia.  The trial lawyers got the bills amended somewhat but there was a true business industry success in these efforts. 

Course these bills need to get through the Senate and after recent events there doesn’t seem to be a lot of interest in cooperation among the parties this year.  

So we’re ready for another interesting week dealing with condo master policies, health care navigators, electronic notification, and numerous remaining bills related to workers compensation.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Robert Bradshaw – Rbradshaw@iiav.com – 804-929-4134

Joe Hudgins – 804-929-4138

By the way – it’s not too late to register for the Insurance Day on the Hill this week.  Register Now!