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2005 Summary of New State Laws - Alaska

(Preliminary List of 2005 Approved/Pending Legislation)

Issue

Bill #

Bill Description

Motor Vehicle Insurance

(Traffic Safety - Seat Belts)

SB 63

Authorizes placement of road signs encouraging use of seat belts at sites where motor vehicle accidents occurred resulting from failure to use seat belts. LAW. Effective 8/10/05. Chapter 15, Laws of 2005.

Rate Regulation

HB 216

Enacts insurance rate modernization through adoption of a flex-based rate approval system allowing rate changes of up to 10% without prior approval. Applicable to all rates except workers' compensation, medical malpractice, and assigned risk plans. Awaiting Transmittal to the Governor 5/4/05.

Tort Reform

SB 67

Limits damages in medical malpractice claims. Transmitted to the Governor 5/19/05.

Workers' Compensation

(Omnibus Workers' Compensation Changes)

SB 130

Among other things establishes a workers' compensation appeals commission and task force. Free Conference Report Adopted by House 5/22/05.

Carried Over for Further Consideration in 2006

Credit Freeze

HB 226
HB 270
SB 148
SB 149

Credit Security Breach Notification Requirements

SB 180

Requires disclosure of a breach of security involving personal information and allow a consumer to place a freeze on his or her credit report.

Motor Vehicle Insurance

(Traffic Safety - Use of Vehicle Video Monitors)

HB 12

Prohibits driving while watching TV, video monitor, portable computers or any other similar means to create visual display.

Workers' Compensation

(Benefits, Claims and Authorized Treatments)

HB 31

Presumes workers' compensation coverage for disability claims resulting from certain diseases contracted while performing specific occupations.

(Self-Insurers)

HB 51

Allows a group of five or more employers engaged in the same or similar trades to form a joint insurance arrangement for self-insured workers' compensation.

The information contained in this summary is not intended as a portrayal of every property/casualty-related law enacted in each state. Rather, it represents recently enacted legislation specifically identified by NAMIC State and Regulatory Affairs Staff as bearing direct relevance to those issues that represent NAMIC's National State Legislative Agenda or otherwise deemed pertinent to the interests of the majority of NAMIC members.

This summary is for use as a convenient tool for our members, and is not intended, and should not be considered to be, legal advice. Please consult your legal representatives.

Alaska State Resource Center