Who supports us!
Update: 11-24-2011
Richard Bennett of Long Beach file our bill for the 2012 Session
sponsor HB203 in the 2012 legislative session
Lt. Governor Phil Bryant
UPDATE: GOOD NEWS! I SENT COMMISSIONER CHANEY'S STATEMENT TO LT. GOVERNOR PHIL BRYANT AND HE IS NOW SUPPORTS HB203. SEE THE STATEMENT BELOW. THANK YOU LT. GOVERNOR.
"If an all perils burden of proof bill similar to HB 203 comes to my desk from the Legislature, I will sign it."
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Shad White
Deputy Campaign Manager
PO Box 321226 ★ Flowood, Mississippi 39232 ★ 601-812-6609
Update: 7-13-2011
Press Release
Homeowners Rights Legislation on "Burden of Proof" receives the
support of Lt. Governors Candidates
Attachment: Full Statement from Commissioner Chaney Click HERE
Contact: Kevin Buckel: 228-343-2245 / msinsurancebill@cableone.net / www.msbillofrights.com
Commissioner Chaney stated: We believe that codifying the burden of proof as set forth in existing case law would protect consumers by moving cases through the system with much greater efficiency. This could be particularly helpful where there is a large volume of cases after a catastrophic event, such as Katrina.
I presented these statements to Candidates Billy Hewes and Tate Reeves who are seeking the office of Lt. Governor. Reeves responded with the following statement:
Reeves:Treasurer Reeves believes protecting policyholders is a critical component of the Mississippi Insurance Department's mission, and the best way to ensure a living, working document through a bill of rights is accomplished through regulation, not legislation or litigation.
Mr. Reeves would not oppose legislation that codifies existing case law holding that an insurer has the burden of proving by the preponderance of the evidence that any exclusion in an "all perils" homeowners policy applies to the cause of action.
Rep. Jones, who has been instrumental in the passage of this Legislation in the House, has agreed to introduce the Legislation in 2012 Session.
The homeowners of Mississippi applaud Commissioner Chaney, Senator Hewes, and Tate Reeves for supporting this legislation. Buckel said, The courts have ruled on this debate and MS homeowner policyholders deserve to have the court ruling adopted into the MS Code.
Update: 3-2-2011
HB203 "Burden of Proof" has cleared two Committees in the House and has cleared the full House 89-26. The focus now is to get a vote in the Senate Insurance Committee. Chairman Eugene Clarke has not allowed a vote on "Homeowner's Rights Bills" in the last (4) legislative sessions. I have asked Chairman Clarke for a vote but he has not said yes to date.
3-2-2011
Dear Supporters:
Our bill died in the Senate Insurance Committee in 2011 without a vote.
My biggest concern is when another storm hits us the insurance companies will challenge the "burden of proof" ruling by the MS Supreme Court in Corbin vs USAA, which they may use as a tactic to delay and deny claims, a pattern we have seen before. If HB203 is allowed a vote and passed, it would become law and this will defeat this deny and delay maneuver.
Special Thanks to House Chairman Robinson, Rep. Brandon Jones, Rep Diane Peranich, Senator Baria, The Sun Herald, United Policy Holders, and WLOX for all their help. The Insurance Lobby won last year. The score is Insurance Lobby 5; People 0.
Kevin Buckel
www.msbillofrights.com
