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HF2494 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Motor vehicle insurance provisions modified relating to uninsured and underinsured liability coverage amounts, motorcycle insurance coverage required, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery account and surcharge established.

Related bill: SF2639

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance protections for motorists and motorcycle riders by increasing the required levels of liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It also seeks to support individuals with traumatic brain injuries through the establishment of a dedicated recovery program.

Main Provisions

  • Increased Insurance Coverage Requirements:

    • The bill proposes to raise the minimum coverage amounts for liability as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance. This change ensures that individuals have more financial protection in the event of an accident.

  • Mandatory Motorcycle Insurance Coverage:

    • Motorcycles must include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as part of their insurance policies, aligning with the requirements for other types of vehicles.

  • Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Account and Program:

    • A specialized recovery program is created to assist those suffering from traumatic brain injuries. The program is supported financially by a surcharge on all automobile insurance policies.
    • The surcharge collected under section 297I.12 will fund this program and must be communicated clearly to policyholders by their insurers, including details on how to access services.

  • Arbitration Timelines:

    • The bill establishes timelines for arbitration processes related to the traumatic brain injury program to ensure expedited access to necessary services and funds.

  • Surcharge Requirement:

    • A surcharge on automobile insurance policies is mandated to support the traumatic brain injury recovery account, ensuring sustainable funding for the program.

  • Reporting Requirement:

    • The bill includes a requirement for reporting on the implementation and outcomes of the traumatic brain injury recovery program to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Adds new provisions to Minnesota Statutes chapters 65B and 297I, including new requirements for insurance policies and guidelines for the newly established recovery program.
  • Amends current Minnesota Statutes to integrate these new provisions and definitions, such as defining ‘traumatic brain injury’ per section 144.661 subdivision 2.

Relevant Terms

traumatic brain injury, uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, motorcycle insurance, liability coverage, arbitration, insurance surcharge, life care planner, Minnesota Statutes 65B, Minnesota Statutes 297I.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toCommerce Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additional provisions related to traumatic brain injury coverage."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill proposes amendments to the existing statutes in section 65B.44, subdivision 1, concerning insurance coverage.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes to insurance coverage terms for traumatic brain injury cases."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "65B.44",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New surcharge requirements for funding the traumatic brain injury recovery program."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill alters existing insurance requirements under section 65B.48, subdivision 5.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to insurance policy coverage terms for compliance with the new program funding."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "65B.48",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 5"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provisions regarding mandatory uninsured and underinsured motorcycle insurance coverage."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments to the insurance coverage stipulations under section 65B.49, subdivisions 3 and 3a.",
      "modified": [
        "Modification of minimum insurance coverage amounts for motor vehicle accidents."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "65B.49",
    "subdivision": "subdivisions 3 and 3a"
  }
]

Sponsors