An Act Exempting From Regulation Certain Nonprofit Volunteer Ambulance Services Or Companies.
Impact
The bill's passage would significantly impact how nonprofit volunteer ambulance services are classified under state law. Specifically, organizations providing emergency medical services would not be deemed engaged in the business of insurance, which could reduce overhead costs associated with compliance and licensing. This change may encourage the proliferation of volunteer services across the state, ensuring that communities remain equipped with necessary emergency medical assistance without imposing hefty regulatory requirements on such organizations.
Summary
SB00878 is an act that aims to exempt certain nonprofit volunteer ambulance services and companies from the regulation typically applied to insurance businesses in the state. This legislation intends to support volunteer emergency medical services that operate on a subscription basis without the administrative and regulatory burdens faced by for-profit insurance entities. By delineating these organizations, the bill reflects an acknowledgment of their unique operational structures and community-oriented missions.
Contention
While supporters of SB00878 argue that it fosters an environment conducive to volunteerism in emergency medical services, critics may voice concerns about potential lapses in oversight or accountability regarding these exempt organizations. They might worry that without stringent regulations, the quality of care provided by volunteer services could diminish. Thus, while advocating for streamlined operations for these organizations, the bill also must address the need for maintaining high standards of emergency care to safeguard public health.
An Act Prohibiting Certain Health Carriers From Requiring Step Therapy For Prescription Drugs Used To Treat A Mental Or Behavioral Health Condition Or A Chronic, Disabling Or Life-threatening Condition.
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Provides for discounts and insurance rate reductions for residential and commercial buildings built to, or retrofitted to, reduce the threat of loss due to windstorm events