House limits life-insurance suicide exclusion to one year; supporters cite fairness for survivors

The Delaware House passed House Bill 2-99, which limits the period a life-insurance policy may exclude or restrict coverage for death by suicide to a maximum of one year.

Representative Morrison, sponsor of the bill, said the change aligns Delaware with several other states and was supported by the Department of Insurance and advocacy groups working on suicide prevention. He argued the shorter exclusion protects families and beneficiaries who have historically been denied payouts when a death fell just outside a longer exclusion window.

Representative Collins, a former life-insurance agent, cautioned that changing longstanding underwriting practices could create unintended consequences for insurers and underwriting processes, though he said he would vote for the bill. Collins noted industry mechanisms such as contestability clauses and underwriting reviews that remain in place.

Supporters countered that there is no reputable evidence linking shorter suicide exclusions to increases in suicide and that returning premiums and limiting exclusion windows is an important fairness measure for surviving spouses and families. Representative Morrison said the Department of Insurance had engaged substantially in drafting the legislation and offered strong support.

On roll call the bill received a constitutional majority and passed, 36 yes and with 5 absent. Sponsors said the bill will move forward for any necessary administrative steps and insurer notifications.

The House record shows members discussed consumer protections, underwriting practices, and survivor impacts during the floor debate.