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Bill to Require Proof of Insurance Before Registration Advances out of Judiciary
Summary
The committee advanced House Bill 16-90, which would require proof of financial responsibility before vehicle registration or renewal and cap non-economic damages for uninsured drivers; sponsor said the bill protects responsible drivers and will collect data before sunsetting parts of the measure.
Representative Hicks, sponsor of House Bill 16-90, told the Judiciary Committee the measure would force uninsured drivers to bear direct responsibility for damages they cause.
"If you drive on Tennessee roads, you should be financially responsible for the damages you caused," Representative Hicks said, arguing the bill modernizes verification to identify noncompliance efficiently and places a cap on non-economic damages for drivers who choose to be uninsured. He said the measure preserves full economic damages for passengers and would never raise costs for drivers who carry insurance.
Vice Chair Davis and other members expressed support for stronger verification after clerks reported people obtaining insurance only temporarily to register vehicles and then canceling policies. Representative Hicks said the bill will collect data for a limited period and that that portion would sunset so lawmakers can evaluate whether the verification regime reduced drop-off in coverage.
The committee voted to send HB 16-90 to Finance, Ways and Means (Clerk: "Mister chair, you have 15 ayes, 3 noes and 0 present not voting").
