Chairperson Dietrich opened the hearing on SB 147. Revisor Eileen Ma gave an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)
Chris Conrade of Conrade Insurance Group spoke as a proponent of the bill.(Attachment 2) He testified that despite counseling clients on Underinsured Motorist coverage, many do not understand that their coverage can be offset to zero.
Rick James of Devaughn James Injury Lawyers voiced support for the legislation. (Attachment 3) He stated that consumers expect to get what they pay for and that a limits-to-limits statute is punitive when there are multiple victims in an accident and the coverage amount is diluted.
Merlin and Judy Arnold, a private citizens, shared their personal story of being involved in a serious accident. (Attachment 4) (Attachment 5) Their coverage was capped at $100,000 due to current Kansas law that prevented them from receiving the full face value of the policy for which they paid. They likened it to being punished for being responsible.
Donna Thompson, a private citizen, expressed her support for the bill. (Attachment 6) She shared her story of being injured while a passenger in a vehicle which ended her nursing career and frustrated by inability to afford the surgery she needs due to insufficient compensation.
Written only proponent testimony was also received from:
Todd Lucas of DM Injury Law (Attachment 7) and
Callie Denton of Kansas Trial Lawyers Association (Attachment 8).
Brad Smoot spoke on behalf of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association in opposition to the bill.(Attachment 9) He argued that the current system keeps premiums low and that allowing stacking of coverages would increase litigation frequency and, ultimately, Kansas insurance premiums.
Written only opponent testimony was received from:
Marlee Carpenter on behalf of Kansas Association of Property and Casualty Insurance Companies (Attachment 10) and
Phillip Arnzen of the National Association of Mutual Insurance (Attachment 11).
The hearing on SB 147 was closed by Chairperson Dietrich.