Committee approves amended travel-insurance licensing bill after industry comment

The House Committee on Tourism on Jan. 28, 2025, voted to pass House Bill 97 with amendments to establish a regulatory framework and registration requirements for the sale of travel insurance in the state.

The measure would require licensing or registration for limited-line travel insurance producers and sets an implementation framework included in committee amendments. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs submitted written comments the committee flagged for inclusion in the committee report, and industry representatives told the committee they supported the bill’s consideration.

Duke DeHaas, deputy general counsel at Allianz, testified on behalf of Allianz and said the company stood on its written testimony and was available to answer questions. "I appreciate you bringing HB 97 before this committee," DeHaas said. Michael Byrne, representing the U.S. Travel Insurance Association and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, also said his organizations stood on their written testimony and were available to answer committee questions.

Committee leadership said they would note suggested DCCA amendments in the committee report so the next committee could consider them. At the reconvened session, the chair recommended passing HB 97 with amendments; the recommendation was adopted. Representative Holt was excused; the chair, the vice chair and four other members voted in favor of the recommendation.

The committee did not record additional changes to the bill text on the floor beyond noting DCCA suggestions for the report. Written testimony from industry groups and the DCCA will be available in the bill file for committees that consider the measure next.

Votes at a glance: House Bill 97 — Chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments adopted; Representative Holt excused; named members present voted aye.