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Public Hearing and Press Conference Set for Legislation that Removes Insurance Industry Exemption from Anti-Fraud Law
Press Conference to follow two public hearings on bills to remove insurance exemption from Oregon's Unfair Trade Practices Act
SALEM - Straight off the heels of a public hearing in the House Consumer Protection and Government Efficiency Committee on the same issue, Sen. Chip Shields (D-22, N/NE Portland) will hold a public hearing Friday morning on legislation that would give the Attorney General the power to sue insurance companies that engage in fraud.
Insurance is currently the only line of business exempt from Oregon's Unfair Trade Practices Act, the state's consumer and business protection statute prohibiting fraud in business transactions.
"No company in the State of Oregon should be able to misled or mistreat you, no matter what industry they are in, " says Shields.
Similar legislation was brought forth in the 2011 session, when committee members heard testimony from individuals and businesses who had been mistreated by insurance companies. Most individuals were unable to get remedies because of the exemption and lack-luster state authority to regulate the industry. The bill passed out of committee in 2011, but went no further. Sen. Shields expects more momentum this time around.
"Too many businesses, medical providers, and consumers tell me that their insurance company is driving them to bankruptcy," says Shields. "If your insurance company blatantly won't pay the reimbursement that their big premiums or contracts are supposed to cover, it's wrong. It's time the legislature protects small businesses and consumers by removing the insurance exemption."
Directly after the public hearing on Friday, Economic Fairness Oregon is holding a press conference to share individual and business support for the measures.
Full details
- Public Hearing on House Bills 2525 and 3160: House Consumer Protection and Government Efficiency Committtee: 1pm on March 14, 2013, Hearing Room D
- Public Hearing on Senate Bills 686, 512, 513, 514: Senate Consumer and Small Business Protection Committee, 8:30am on March 15, 2013, Hearing Room B
- Press Conference: State Capitol Press Conference Room, March 15, 2013 at 10:30am
Live broadcast of public hearings: http://www.leg.state.or.us/listn/
For more information about the upcoming hearing, please call Amanda Hess at 503-986-1722, or email the office at sen.chipshields@state.or.us
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State Sen. Chip