House Insurance Committee Property and Casualty Subcommittee
Chairman Steve Tarvin (R-Chickamauga) and members of the Property and Casualty Subcommittee took action on some legislation this morning:
HB 241, authored by Representative Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), seeks to amend O.C.G.A. 33-7-6, relating to property insurance, contract requirements, rules and regulations, and exemptions, so as to revise the meaning of property insurance and also to change the parameters under which certain contracts, agreements, or instruments may be canceled. The legislation attempts to streamline service contracts like statutes are done in 49 other states and the District of Columbia and provide for the opportunity for cancellation of those contract with a refund permitted to unused premiums. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation, moving the bill to the House Rules Committee.
Committee Reports
House Insurance Committee
The House Insurance Committee, chaired by Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) met this morning to consider a single measure.
HB 205, authored by Representative Noel Williams (R-Cordele) relates to new standards for travel insurance. The bill is a NAIC model act for travel insurance endorsed by the Georgia department of Insurance. It clarifies standards for permitting consumers to opt out of coverage offered by travel agents or carriers. The bill passed unanimously.
House Agricultural and Consumer Affairs
Newly named Chairman of the House Agricultural and Consumer Affairs, Representative Robert Dickey (R-Musella), held his first Committee meeting stating from the outset that he had large shoes to fill with recently retired Chairman Tom McCall (R-Elberton). Other members of leadership of this Committee are Representative Susan Holmes (R-Monticello) and Representative Steven Meeks (R-Screven). This large, 28-member committee overs
House Small Business Development Committee
Chairman Mike Cheokas (R-Americus) and his Committee and adopted its Committee Rules. This Committee will operate with four subcommittees: 1) Barriers to Regulation (chair is Representative Tim Barton (R-Calhoun)); 2) Retail Hospitality (chair is Representative Bill Yearta (R-Sylvester)); 3) Incentives and Education (chair is Representative Dale Washburn (R-Macon)); and 4) Agribusiness (chair is Representative Steven Meeks (R-Screven)).
The Committee heard presentations from NFIB, Nathan Humphrey, which indicated that the small business climate in Georgia was overall good Georgia has AAA bonds; low tax rate; it is a “right to work” state; has a solvent unemployment trust fund; has a workers’ compensation fund; and is a diversified economy. NFIB’s Humphrey pointed out the COVID-19 response and allowing businesses to open; the passage of HB 486; passage of covid liability protection law, SB 359; and the $1.5 billion for unemploymen