read Read

e-mail E-mailprint Print

2004 Summary of New State Laws - Massachusetts

Issue

Bill #

Bill Description

FAIR Plans

HB 4672

Establishes the property insurance underwriting association rating procedure for homeowners insurance for large share territories. Effective 3/22/05. Chapter 436, Laws of 2004.

Fire Insurance

(Tenant Relocation Expenses)

HB 1879

Amends the definition of relocation expenses for tenants displaced by fire damage. Prevents tenants from receiving security deposit from both landlord and insurance company. Effective 3/22/05. Chapter 435, Laws of 2004.

****Miscellaneous New Insurance Provisions*****

(Group Marketing Plans)

HB 4808

Amends provisions regarding approval of group marketing plans for motor vehicle and homeowners insurance. Effective 12/22/04. Chapter 442, Laws of 2004.

(Liquor Liability)

HB 1881

Addresses current authority dealing with the Joint Underwriting Association's issuance of insurance policies with respect to liquor legal liability. The Act changes the coverage limits from "limits specified in the plan of operation, but not to exceed five hundred thousand dollars for each claimant under one policy and one million dollars for all claimants under one cause of action" to "limits as approved by the Commissioner of Insurance." Effective 10/6/04. Chapter 166, Laws of 2004.

Rate Regulation

HB 1700

Mandates that statutory requirements for the regulation of policy forms and the filing and approval of rates do not apply to insurance contracts for large commercial policyholders. Effective 9/24/04. Chapter 435, Laws of 2004.

Rate Regulation

HB 4675

Regulates the setting of private passenger automobile insurance rates. Effective 10/26/04. Chapter 213, Laws of 2004.

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.

Massachusetts State Resource Center