Committee advances travel‑insurance bill to clarify consumer protections

The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee on March 10 recommended passage of Senate File 3779, a bill that would add a regulatory framework for travel insurance and related consumer protections.

Senator Seaburger said the bill, based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners model, would clarify responsibilities of insurers, travel retailers and other sellers and improve consumer disclosures. “Travel insurance is a unique insurance product,” Seaburger said, noting expanded consumer protections and standard definitions in the proposal.

Duke DeHaas, vice president and deputy general counsel for AGA Service Company (Allianz) and co‑chair of the U.S. Travel Association law committee, told the committee the bill provides clarity for producers, creates a free‑look refund period and addresses “illusory insurance” that offers no meaningful coverage.

Committee counsel reviewed the bill’s sections for members, explaining changes to definitions, producer licensing, registration and consumer protections including required disclosures and premium‑tax language. Members asked how many states have adopted similar model language; Seaburger said 41 states have enacted a version and seven more are considering it.

The Department of Commerce testified as neutral. After questions about bill details, the committee recommended the bill be passed and referred it to the Taxes Committee. The transcript records a voice vote; no roll‑call count was provided.