HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 68
(By Delegates H. White, Beach, Butcher, Canterbury, Faircloth,
Foster, Hamilton, Hartman, Hatfield, Hrutkay, Morgan, Perdue,
Perry, Pino, Walters, Webster and G. White)
(Originating in the Committee on Banking and Insurance)
[February 28, 2003]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government Finance to conduct a
study of the availability and affordability of automobile
insurance in West Virginia.
Whereas, The
availability and affordability
of automobile
insurance is a concern for citizens in West Virginia; and
Whereas, Certain national insurance companies offering
automobile insurance coverage have announced that they will no
longer be writing new business in the State; and
Whereas, The citizens of West Virginia and businesses may be
adversely affected by their inability to obtain both adequate and
affordable coverage; and
Whereas, The effective regulation of insurance is important to
both insurers and citizens; and
Whereas, The laws of this State governing the nonrenewal of
automobile insurance policies impact both insurers and consumers;
and
Whereas, Both insurers and consumers would benefit from a study
of the impact of the laws of the State relating to restrictions on
the nonrenewal of automobile insurance policies; and
Whereas, The surcharging and multitiering practices of
insurance companies may impact the cost of certain automobile
insurance coverage; and
Whereas, A study of the impact of surcharging and multitiering
would be beneficial to consumers; and
Whereas, The consumers and insurers in West Virginia would
benefit from a study to determine the underlying factors affecting
the availability and affordability of automobile insurance coverage
and to determine the effect of state regulation on this industry;
therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
directed to conduct a study of the availability and affordability,
and the impact of regulation of automobile insurance coverage in
West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report its findings and recommendations resulting from the
study to the regular session of Legislature, 2004, together with
drafts of any proposed legislation necessary to effectuate such
recommendations; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.