This Week at the Circus: March 12 - 16



This way to Annapolis!

With only four weeks remaining, the pace is picking up at the Assembly. This week, the full Senate will pass a budget (still no gas tax) and send it over to the House for consideration.

Freed of the budget issue, watch as the Senate unveils its yearly version of a clown car. It will be amazing just how many bills will escape committee this week and perform on the Senate floor starting next week.

In preparation for that show, the Scoop will be in committee hearings watching to see just how many bills make it into that car. Among the bigger issues...

SB 732- Low-cost Automobile Insurance/Prince Georges County: This bill would create a Low-Cost Insurance Program in Prince Georges County and would require MAIF to create a new, low-cost policy in order to insure those residents who apply and qualify.

SB1006- MAIF Producer Commissions: This bill will allow MAIF to determine a commission between 10% and 15% to be paid to the Producers who sell MAIF policies. Currently, the maximum commission MAIF may pay is 10%.

HB1335- Carrying and Displaying Proof of Insurance: This would require all Maryland drivers to carry proof of insurance with them when operating a vehicle. It would also require all Maryland police officers to demand to see proof of insurance from any driver they detain for a violation.

SB 785- Prohibiting Use of Credit History in Rating Insurance Policies: Insurance providers would no longer be able to take credit history into account when rating someone for insurance. (Note: MAIF does not take credit history into account for this purpose).

SB938- Rescission of Policy or Binder: This would allow an insurance company to cancel a policy, retroactive to its effective date if the check used to pay the initial premium is fraudulent or returned for non-sufficient funds.

In addition to the Senate voting on the budget, the House Budget Appropriations Committee will hold their decision meetings for the budget hearings they held last week.

That's what we'll have our eye on this week...when we're not hanging around State Circle enjoying the amazing weather that's expected over the next several days, that is.