Prohibiting denial of banking and insurance services based on any factor that is not quantitative, impartial, and risk-based as measured by an objective standard.
Impact
If enacted, HB359 would transform the operational frameworks of financial institutions and insurance companies in the state by imposing strict criteria for service denial. This would ensure that organizations cannot refuse services based on arbitrary or subjective factors, thereby reinforcing consumer rights and promoting equal access to financial services. It may lead to a significant shift in how these institutions evaluate customers and could prevent potential discriminatory practices by requiring them to rely upon objective risk analysis.
Summary
House Bill 359 aims to prohibit financial institutions and insurers from denying or canceling services based on non-quantifiable factors such as a person's political opinions or religious beliefs. The bill mandates that decisions around providing services be based on objective, risk-based analyses and explicitly forbids discrimination linked to social credit scores. It emphasizes the need for impartial assessments based on measurable criteria in the banking and insurance sectors, thereby enhancing protections for consumers in these industries who may face bias based on personal beliefs rather than financial risk.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB359 appears to be mixed. Proponents, including consumer rights advocates, view the bill positively, seeing it as a strong step towards ensuring equity and reducing discrimination in financial services. They argue that it protects vulnerable populations from being unfairly treated based on non-financial factors. On the other hand, some critics raise concerns about overreach, suggesting that the bill may limit institutions' abilities to exercise discretion and potentially hinder their operational flexibility in assessing risk.
Contention
Notable points of contention around HB359 involve the provisions that involve religious and political affiliations. Critics argue that allowing exemptions for organizations claiming a religious purpose may still enable forms of discrimination, while supporters insist that the bill provides necessary safeguards to maintain service integrity without compromising individual beliefs. Additionally, the bill touches on broader debates about social credit scores, with concerns that this regulation could inadvertently affect how such scores are developed and utilized in the financial industry.
Prohibiting provocations based on a victim's actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation from being used as a defense in a criminal case.
Prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors, relative to sex and gender in public schools, and relative to the definition of conversion therapy.