The 2021-22 legislative session is wrapping up this week with the House and Senate set to complete all their work by May 26, 2022. The Legislature just completed the committee of conference phase, which is when committees made up of four House members and three senators get together to try to work out their differences one last time.
Below is an update on several key bills we worked on in 2022.
Auto dealers and insurance coverage
The first bill, S.B.215, would deal with auto dealers and auto coverage. This bill was introduced early in the session, but unfortunately, it did not have traction enough to move forward. If you recall, this bill would require a motor vehicle liability insurance policy to provide certain minimum coverages once the named insured becomes the owner of the vehicle. This is the issue when auto dealers tell protentional vehicle buyers that they need to purchase auto insurance prior to driving the vehicle off the dealer’s lot. This will be a top priority for PIA members heading into next session and internal discussion have begun in anticipation of reaching out to the New Hampshire Department of Insurance.
Waivers of deductibles
S.B.331, which is relative to waivers of deductibles in automobile insurance policies. According to the bill analysis, this bill would require any automobile insurance policy that contains coverage for physical damage by reason of collision to waive any deductible of such coverage when the damage is caused by any motor vehicle if the operator of such vehicle has been positively identified and is solely at fault. Currently, the law only applies to uninsured motorist. This bill also failed to make it across the line and was sent to interim study, which is the polite way of killing a bill in the second year of the session.
Insurance adjuster licensing, fees, etc.
S.B.354 relates to insurance adjuster licensing, insurance producer licensing fees, and the sale of credit life and credit accident and health insurance policies by banks. This bill would clarify what constitutes good cause for purposes of insurance claim adjuster license denial, suspension, revocation, and fine. This bill also would clarify that certain biennial renewal fees are nonrefundable. This bi-partisan bill was submitted at the request of the NHID, and it passed both legislative bodies and is headed to the governor’s desk.
After Thursday’s adjournment from the 2021-22 session, legislators who choose to run for re-election will start their campaigns. We already know that eight of the 24 senators have announced that they will not seek re-election, which is a pretty large number for one election cycle. Traditionally, about a third of the 400 member House turns over either because members don’t seek re-election or because they are defeated in November. Gov. Chris Sununu already has announced that he is running for a fourth term, and at this point he is the favorite to win re-election over current State Sen. Tom Sherman, D-24.
Simon P. Thomson
Simon P. Thomson joined Sheehan Phinney Capitol Group in 2015 after serving for 10 years as a staff member for two New Hampshire U.S. Senators, John E. Sununu and Kelly Ayotte. He is PIANH’s lobbyist. During Simon’s tenure as a Senate staffer, he worked on many in-state issues, which led to him develop meaningful relationships throughout the state and in state government that now provide his clients with a deep network to address concerns. Since joining the firm, Simon has been involved in many key legislative issues at the State House. With his experience in public service, commitment to his clients, and the respect he has built on both sides of the aisle, Simon has become a go-to advocate who has served Capitol Group’s clients well. Currently, he serves on the board of directors of the Greater Nashua YMCA and he was installed as an incorporator with Franklin Savings Bank.
