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NAMIC 2003 National State Legislative Agenda

I. Personal/Commercial Lines Modernization

The issues of personal and commercial lines modernization are central to maintaining state-based regulation. We recognize that, because of the hardening market, legislators may be less responsive this year to this issue. However, we continue to believe competitive markets ultimately are best for consumers and we will seek opportunities to loosen rating restrictions.

II. Credit Scoring

We anticipate that upwards of 40 states will introduce legislation this year on credit-based insurance scoring. The recently enacted National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) should help to mitigate any legislative efforts calling for an outright prohibition of the practice.

III. Privacy

Privacy continues to be an issue in several states. NAMIC will oppose any efforts that create privacy standards that are more restrictive than GLBA. Additionally, we will pursue GLBA based language in states that currently have no privacy law.

IV. Terrorism Insurance

Most of our efforts will be aimed at making sure that states do not try to develop terrorism reinsurance requirements that are more restrictive than the model bulletin they have issued or the regulations developed by U.S. Treasury Department.

V. Tort Reforms

Several tort reform initiatives are anticipated as lawmakers grapple with the medical malpractice problems in their states. NAMIC also supports the American Legislative Exchange Council's "Disorder in the Court" program and will lend its support to four model acts that ALEC plans to introduce in certain states this year. The models call for state Attorneys General to use a competitive bidding process when hiring outside counsel, to limit an appeal bond, to limit jurisdiction for lawsuits to the venue where the injury occurred, and to eliminate excuses for jury service so a better cross-section of the community serves on juries.