February 28, 2003
Protection from higher premiums
Homeowners would get some protection from higher insurance premiums under the terms of legislation given preliminary Senate approval Thursday.
Current law permits insurers to raise rates just because someone has a claim, even if the claim is not paid, possibly because it is below the deductible. SB 1266 specifies that rates cannot be raised based on a single claim of less than $500 if the insurer makes no payment.
Lawmakers rejected a proposal by Sen. Jorge Garcia, D-Tucson, to preclude higher premiums no matter how many claims less than $500 are made. The bill will go to the House after a final roll call vote.
Elderly abuse
The Senate Health Committee voted 6-3 Thursday to narrow the scope of state laws designed to punish those who abuse the elderly.
Doctors and others said a recent court ruling concluded that medical practitioners whose care for the elderly fell below standards could be sued not only under malpractice laws but also under elder abuse laws. The latter category not only gives plaintiffs seven years to file rather than two but also allows victims to collect punitive damages.
SB 1010 spells out that incidents that qualify as malpractice cannot be claimed under elder abuse laws.
Foes of the measure say it would provide protection for abusive health care workers.
The measure now goes to the full Senate.
Speed on dirt roads
A bill to lower speeds on dirt roads was preliminarily approved by the full House on Thursday.
House Bill 2295 calls for a 45 mph speed limit on all dirt roads. The current limit of 65 mph on unpaved roads is not reasonable or prudent under any condition, according to the Arizona Association of County Engineers.
The measure now faces a formal vote by the House.