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CS/CS/SB 424 — Discriminatory Insurance Practices
by Appropriations Committee; Criminal Justice Committee; and Senators Lee and Latvala
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Banking and Insurance Committee (BI)
The bill provides that it is an unfair, discriminatory practice for a personal lines property or automobile insurer to:
- Refuse to issue, renew, or cancel a policy or charge an unfairly discriminatory rate based on the lawful ownership, possession, or use of a firearm or ammunition by the applicant, insured, or a household member of the applicant or insured.
- Disclose the lawful ownership or possession of firearms of an applicant, insured, or household member of the applicant or insured to a third party or an affiliated entity of the insurer unless the insurer discloses to the applicant the need for the disclosure, and the applicant or insured expressly consents or “opts in” to the disclosure.
The bill provides limited exceptions to the general provision of the bill regarding sharing firearm-related information. These exceptions occur only when it becomes necessary to disclose the information in order to quote or bind coverage, continue coverage, or adjust a claim.
The bill provides that an insurer is not prohibited from charging a supplemental premium when a separate rider is voluntarily requested by a policyholder or prospective policyholder to insure a firearm or firearm collection (if the value of the collection exceeds standard policy coverage) so long as it is not unfairly discriminatory.
If an insurer engages in discriminatory practices prohibited under part IX, of ch. 626, F.S., the insurer would be subject to fines and other administrative actions by the Office of Insurance Regulation.
The bill may provide additional coverage options for persons who have had coverage denied or cancelled due to such lawful ownership, possession, or use of a firearm.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2014.
Vote: Senate 36-3; House 74-44