Committee Advances Bill Tightening Insurance Verification and Penalties for Uninsured Drivers
Summary
The committee passed HB 1690 requiring proof of financial responsibility for registration/renewal, increasing penalties for repeat uninsured driving, and modernizing insurance verification systems; the measure passed 18-2 and goes to judiciary.
Representative Hicks introduced HB 1690, saying the bill's principle is simple: "If you drive on Tennessee roads, you should be financially responsible for the damage you caused." The sponsor said the bill requires proof of financial responsibility before vehicle registration or renewal, increases penalties for repeat uninsured drivers, modernizes verification systems, and caps noneconomic damages in certain contexts while preserving economic damages and higher limits for catastrophic injuries.
Committee members raised concerns that penalties could disproportionately affect people who are indigent and that the bill may not address insurance-cost drivers face. Representative Pearson said insurance costs can be driven by factors beyond an individual's driving record and said the state should consider supports for people who cannot afford insurance. The sponsor and supporters argued the measure targets those knowingly breaking the law and that lack of insurance raises premiums for law-abiding drivers.
The committee voted the bill out to judiciary; the clerk recorded 18 ayes and 2 noes.
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