HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 83
(By Delegates H. White, R. M. Thompson, Hrutkay, Perry,
Perdue, Canterbury, Butcher, Frich, Morgan, Iaquinta,
Foster, Walters, Azinger, Hartman and G. White)
(Originating in the Committee on Banking and Insurance)
[March 10, 2004]
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government Finance to conduct a
study of the impact of nonrenewal laws on the availability
and
affordability
of automobile and homeowners'
insurance in West
Virginia.
Whereas, the availability and affordability of automobile and
homeowners' insurance is a concern for citizens in West Virginia;
and
Whereas, certain national insurance companies offering
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 for their automobiles and homes; 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 and homeowners' 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 and homeowner insurance policies; 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 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
requested to conduct a study of the
impact of nonrenewal laws on
the availability
and affordability
of automobile and homeowners'
insurance 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, 2005, 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.