Legislative briefs for May 27, 2005

Friday, May 27, 2005 | 9:33 a.m.

Insurance claim bill passes Senate

Insurance companies will not be allowed to deny a claim for injury suffered while under the influence of alcohol, under a bill approved by the Senate Thursday.

Assembly Bill 63, which returns to the Assembly for agreement on an amendment, also would prohibit an insurance company from canceling a policy because the individual made a claim involving an injury suffered as a consequence of drinking. But the company would not have to pay a claim if the injured person was committing a felony while under the influence.

The bill allows insurance companies to put notations in policies saying they are not liable if an injured individual tested for illegal drugs or the alcohol level was above the 0.08 level.

Medicare issue defeated

In a near party line vote, Senate Republicans defeated a resolution urging Congress to amend the Medicare Prescription Act.

Assembly Joint Resolution 6 suggested that the federal law provide affordable, easily understood coverage for prescription drug benefits. There has been criticism about the complicated nature of the law.

There was no debate on the resolution. It initially passed 11-8, but Assistant Majority Leader Dennis Nolan, R-Las Vegas, moved to rescind the vote. He said he had intended to oppose the resolution.

In a re-vote, the resolution was defeated 11-10. Sen. Dean Rhoads, R-Tuscarora, was the only Republican to join the nine Democrats in support of the resolution.