Louisiana House Bill HB436

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/1/21
• Refer: 4/1/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 4/22/21
• Engrossed: 4/28/21
• Refer: 4/29/21
• Report Pass: 5/5/21
• Enrolled: 5/13/21
• Chaptered: 6/1/21
• Passed: 6/1/21

Caption

Repeals requirements for the Department of Insurance to maintain a central database for contact information on life insurance policies in force in the state

Impact

The impact of this legislation primarily concerns the management of life insurance policies in Louisiana. By eliminating the central database, the bill could simplify processes for insurance providers and policyholders alike. However, it also raises concerns about the potential loss of accountability and transparency in managing life insurance information. As the database was intended to help track active policies, its absence could pose issues for beneficiaries attempting to recover life insurance benefits in the event of policyholder death.

Summary

House Bill 436 aims to repeal the requirement for the Louisiana Department of Insurance to maintain a central database for contact information on active life insurance policies. The repeal of Part IV of Chapter 13 of Title 22 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes signifies a legislative shift away from mandates that require state oversight in this area. The proponents of HB 436 argue that removing this requirement will reduce State Bureaucracy and allow for a more streamlined approach to managing life insurance policies without the need for state databases to track them.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding the bill were largely positive among supporters, who viewed it as a necessary reduction in government oversight that could facilitate a more efficient insurance market. However, opponents expressed concerns regarding consumer protection and the potential difficulty beneficiaries may face in locating and claiming benefits from life insurance policies. This divergence in sentiment reflects a broader debate about the role of government in regulating insurance sectors and ensuring consumer rights in financial matters.

Contention

The primary points of contention relate to the balance between deregulation of the insurance industry and maintaining sufficient protections for consumers. Critics of the repeal emphasize that the central database served as an important resource for families searching for lost or forgotten policies, highlighting that its absence may disadvantage many consumers. On the other hand, proponents assert that repealing the regulation removes unnecessary barriers that could inhibit the life insurance market's growth and efficiency, considering advancements in technology that allow for better ways of managing policy information without state intervention.