Senate committee hears bill to require underinsured‑motorist coverage for local government vehicle occupants

The Senate Local Government, Land Use & Tribal Affairs Committee took testimony on Senate Bill 5107, which would require local governments to provide underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage for government‑owned vehicles and persons operating or occupying them in the course of employment.

Committee staff Rohan Bhattacharjee summarized the bill and described it as requiring coverage “for vehicles owned by the local government, and operated or occupied by an officer, employee or agent in their course of employment,” with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Staff said coverage could be provided through private carriers, self‑insurance, self‑funding or other legally authorized methods and that a fiscal note had been requested but not yet received.

Proponents told the committee…