Insurance: no-fault; certain claims by a passenger of a vehicle driven by an intoxicated individual; prohibit. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3009a.
Impact
If enacted, SB0921 will significantly change how passenger claims in auto insurance are handled in the state of Michigan. It aims to restrict passenger recovery rights in accidents involving intoxicated drivers, which could potentially decrease liability for insurance companies and influence overall insurance rates. This legislation may prompt safety discussions around the responsibility of passengers in vehicles where the driver is impaired, potentially altering public understanding of passenger rights in such situations.
Summary
Senate Bill 921, also known as SB0921, proposes an amendment to the Michigan Insurance Code of 1956, specifically adding section 3009a. This section stipulates that individuals who suffer bodily injury or death while being passengers in a motor vehicle have limited rights to recover damages under specific conditions. The bill targets situations in which the driver is impaired due to alcohol or controlled substances, and the passenger either demonstrates similar impairment or refuses to undergo sobriety testing when requested by law enforcement.
Contention
Proponents argue that SB0921 could encourage responsible behavior among passengers, urging them to reconsider their choices before riding with an impaired driver. Critics, however, may express concerns about justice and fairness, highlighting how the bill could unfairly penalize passengers who may have made harmless decisions, and argue it could discourage passengers from cooperating with law enforcement during investigations. The complexity of recovery rights intertwined with personal accountability may lead to disputes and necessitate further clarifications within the law.
Insurance: no-fault; personal protection insurance benefits for individuals in a motor vehicle operated in the business of transporting passengers; modify. Amends sec. 3114 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.3114). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5299'25
Insurance: no-fault; denial of claim based on failure to list all household members on policy; prohibit. Amends sec. 3114 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.3114).
Insurance: health insurers; use of artificial intelligence tools to make decisions regarding claims; prohibit. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406ss.
Insurance: no-fault; penalties for lapse of insurance policy; eliminate. Amends secs. 2116b, 2118 & 2120 of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.2116b et seq.) & repeals sec. 2116a of 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.2116a).
Insurance: insurers; property insurance denial, cancellation, or increased premiums for owners of certain breeds of dogs; prohibit. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 2130a.
Insurance: health insurers; coverage for immunization agents and certain laboratory tests administered and ordered by a pharmacist; require. Amends 1956 PA 218 (MCL 500.100 - 500.8302) by adding sec. 3406ss.