Texas House Bill HB2614

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Refer: 3/15/11

Caption

Relating to insurance coverage for child passenger safety seat systems.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2614 would have a significant impact on existing insurance policies, requiring insurers to expand their coverage to include the replacement of child safety seats under specific circumstances related to traffic incidents. This legislative change is aimed at increasing the financial protection for families regarding the safety of their children during vehicular accidents, thereby promoting a culture of safety and compliance with child passenger regulations. The change in law is set to apply only to insurance policies delivered or renewed after January 1, 2012, emphasizing the forward-looking intent of the bill.

Summary

House Bill 2614 aims to amend the Texas Insurance Code to require automobile insurance policies to cover the cost of replacing child passenger safety seat systems that are damaged in traffic collisions. The bill defines 'child passenger safety seat system' in alignment with existing transportation regulations and mandates coverage in instances where the seat suffers damage due to a moderate or severe traffic collision. This includes various scenarios such as when an airbag is deployed or if there is an injury to vehicle occupants. The focus of the bill is to enhance child safety in vehicles by ensuring that families can replace damaged child safety seats without incurring out-of-pocket expenses subsequent to an accident.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2614 appears to be largely positive with lawmakers and advocacy groups focusing on child safety issues supporting the measure. Proponents argue that the legislation will mitigate the financial burden on families following accidents, reinforcing the importance of equipping vehicles with safe child safety seats. However, there may be concerns from some insurance companies regarding the potential increase in claims or premiums as a result of the expanded coverage. Nonetheless, the overall commentary around the bill suggests a strong commitment to enhancing child safety protections within the state.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the cost implications for insurance companies and whether this mandate might lead to higher premiums for policyholders. Some industry stakeholders may argue that mandating such coverage could establish a precedent for further requirements, potentially impacting the dynamics between insurers and their clients. However, advocates maintain that child safety is a paramount concern that justifies the need for such legislative measures, highlighting the societal responsibility to protect the youngest passengers in vehicles.