And the survey says...

A big THANK YOU to all of our readers that took the Punt, Pass, or Kick Survey last week.  It was great to hear from all of you on the legislation that we've talked about over the past (almost) 90 days.

So, we thought it best to "share with the class" and give you the results of the first ever MAIF's Policy and Communication's Department Punt, Pass or Kick Survey, here it goes:

We asked...
On February 14th we discussed SB 48. Remember SB 48? It requires that a record be kept by those installing replacement airbags in vehicles and that the buyer is made aware of the salvaged airbag prior to purchase. What do you think the outcome of SB 48 will be?

You responded...
Punt:  19%
Pass:  74%
Kick:  7%

Our take....
The bill had an air of public safety and anti-fraud efforts about it.  The issue is complicated by Federal law issues and it's getting too late to figure things out down here.  We vote kick.

We asked...
On February 11th we wrote about SB 138. If passed, SB 138 would allow Marylanders to prove damages by submitting unpaid estimates, instead of a paid bill. What do you think will happen to SB 138?

You responded...
Punt:  23%
Pass:  19%
Kick:  58%

Our take....
We predict a heavily amended bill, restricting it to estimates prepared by or on behalf of an insurance company, will...pass.

We asked...Financial literacy is an important topic, but is it important enough to mandate that it be taught as a graduation requirment as SB 262 details? On February 25th we discussed the pros and cons of financial literacy in the classroom. What is your bet on the outcome of SB 262?

You responded...
Punt:  45%
Pass:  22%
Kick:  33%

Our take....There is a concern about micro managing the classroom.  This is viewed as a good idea, but might be a bad law.  We vote kick.

We asked...On February 23rd we wrote about HB 222. Remember the camel's nose and HB 222? Sponsors of the bill want to make using a handheld cell phone a primary offense in Maryland. Do you think the camel is completely in the tent?

You responded...
Punt:  26%
Pass:  55%
Kick:  19%

Our take....It turns out we cheated on this one.  The bill passed the full House and died in a Senate committee.  A definitive kick.

We asked...We discussed HB 1058 and its companion, SB 711 on March 7th. If passed the legislation would shift the insurance responsibility from the rental company to your personal automobile policy in Maryland. Which direction do you think these bills are heading?

You responded...

Punt:  32%
Pass:  16%
Kick:  52%

Our take....The bill was doomed when the owner of a rental car company lectured the Senate committee that was hearing the bill.  Disrespect never plays well.  We vote kick.

We asked...Session Scoop just updated you on March 18th about the unfavorable outcome of the HB 737, legislation that would prohibit smoking in a vehicle with a child under the age of eight. The companion bill however, SB 415 is still under consideration. What will be the outcome of SB 415?

You responded...

Punt:  19%
Pass:  23%
Kick:  58%

Our take:There are still some limits on how far government will go.  This is a kick.

We asked...On March 18th we wrote about HB 873. HB 873 – the Maryland Civil Litigation Funding Act would allow people to receive "funding" in advance of the outcome of their case, in return for paying back the company once the case has been settled or won. What will come of HB 873?

You responded...

Punt:  45%
Pass:  13%
Kick:  32%

Our take:  This bill makes a number of people very uncomfortable.  The industry is trying to offer amendments to save it, but we think it's too hard for people to swallow.  We vote...kick.