SF2639

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to improve protections for motorists and support individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries in Minnesota. It focuses on enhancing insurance coverage and establishing a program specifically for traumatic brain injury recovery.

Main Provisions

• Insurance Coverage Increases: The bill requires motorcycle insurance policies to include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, raising the minimum amounts for liability and these coverages for all motorists.
• Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery Program: It establishes a recovery program dedicated to assisting those with traumatic brain injuries, including creating an account to fund these efforts.
• Surcharge for Funding: The bill mandates a surcharge on automobile insurance policies to finance the traumatic brain injury recovery program.
• Arbitration Timelines: It sets specific timelines for arbitration processes related to insurance claims, aiming to expedite resolutions.
• Mandatory Notifications: Insurance providers must inform policyholders about the new surcharge and provide details on how to access services related to the traumatic brain injury program.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends current statutes to integrate the requirement for motorcycle insurance to include uninsured and underinsured coverage.
• Introduces a new requirement for a traumatic brain injury recovery surcharge on automobile insurance.
• Adds definitions and procedural changes within existing Minnesota statutes to align with the goals of the traumatic brain injury program.

Relevant Terms

• Traumatic brain injury
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Underinsured motorist coverage
• Motorcycle insurance
• Arbitration
• Automobile insurance surcharge
• Life care planner