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Rep. Carolyn Hall reintroduces bill to modernize Alaska travel-insurance rules
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Summary
Rep. Carolyn Hall reintroduced House Bill 302 to update Alaska's travel insurance statutes to align with national model language; industry testimony said the changes would clarify definitions, require consumer disclosures and claims-handling standards, and include a free-look refund period. The committee moved the bill out with attached fiscal notes.
Rep. Carolyn Hall (R., House District 16) reintroduced House Bill 302 before the House Transportation Committee on April 28, saying the measure would modernize Alaska’s travel-insurance statutes and align state law with national model language from insurance regulators.
Karen Alvarado, vice president of regulatory affairs for Crum and Forster, testified by video in support of HB302, saying travel insurance “plays a critical role in protecting consumers from unforeseen events that can disrupt travel such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or natural disasters.” Alvarado said the bill standardizes definitions, strengthens consumer protections, includes a free-look period for refunds and clarifies claims-handling and pricing disclosures to help Alaskans and visitors alike.
Alvarado told the committee the draft draws on model-act language used by national organizations and noted that “42 states have enacted the model act,” with Washington among the most recent adopters. She argued the update is particularly important for Alaska because travel often involves remote destinations, unpredictable weather and limited access to immediate medical care.
Co-Chair Carrick opened the floor for committee questions; none were raised. After the testimony, Co-Chair Ayescheid moved HB302 (work order 34‑LS1436, version N) out of committee with attached fiscal notes and “individual recommendations.” Co-Chair Carrick said he heard and saw no objection and the motion was reported out of committee by voice; no roll-call vote was recorded. The committee also announced an amendment deadline for HB302 (the transcript contains a garbled rendering of the deadline text). Heather Carpenter of the Alaska Division of Insurance was in the room for committee questions but none were asked.
The bill sponsor and industry supporters said HB302 is intended to bring consistency with other states, give regulators clearer authority over product language and claims handling, and provide consumers better information when purchasing travel coverage. The committee moved HB302 forward; the next procedural steps will be set in committee materials and the Legislature's calendar.
