By Jessica Taloney Reporter
Published: Wed, May 07, 2008 - 10:50 am
Jessica Taloney
The measure, SB-03, was approved Tuesday afternoon in an informal meeting of representatives outside the House chamber doors. The move came hours after the House Banking and Insurance Committee failed to bring the bill up for a committee vote Tuesday morning.
Representative Lesley Vance (D-Russell), chairman of the House Banking and Insurance Committee, tells News Five the measure was approved with amendments by ALFA, the second largest insurer in Alabama.
"You bet they've got influence," said Vance. "They've got pull," he said. When asked if he thought it was appropriate for special interests to dictate legislation, Vance said "What can you do about it?"
Vance went on to blame senators for the slow movement of SB-03 and Brooks' other insurance reform bill, SB-05. "The problem is the senate. They've got so many damn problems," said Vance.
The bill, which was written by Senator Ben Brooks (R-Mobile) would allow captive insurance companies to sell homeowners' policies.
A third insurance reform bill, which was written by a North Alabama senator, is also still alive. The measure, which is supported by ALFA, has competed with Sen. Brooks bill throughout the entire session. In recent weeks, Brooks has publicly argued against the bill, saying it is being pushed by special interests and does little to help residents on the Gulf Coast.
Representatives are expected to reconvene Thursday morning, then adjourn until May 19th, which under state law is the last day of the legislative session. Vance tells News Five there is a good chance Brooks' bill will die before getting a vote on the House floor.
House Banking and Insurance Committee:
Lesley Vance (D-Lee, Russell) (334) 242-7687
Mike Hill (R- Shelby) (334) 242-7715 (205) 669-6264
Jim Barton (R- Mobile) (334) 242-7754 (251) 208-5480
DuWayne Bridges (R- Chambers, Lee) (334) 242-7600
James Buskey (D-Mobile) (334) 242-7757
Steve Clouse (R-Dale, Houston) (334) 242-7717 (334) 774-9122
Craig Ford (D-Etowah) (334) 242-7690 (256) 547-2727
Blaine G (R-Etowah, St. Clair) (334) 242-7760 (256) 442-7517 (256) 832-1201
Betty Carol Graham (D-Lee, T) (334) 242-7741 256) 234-7068 (256) 234-6346 Ext. 6531
David Grimes (R-Montgomery) (334) 242-7707 (334) 274-0700 (334) 834-3989
Jimmy Martin (D-Chilton, Shelby) (334) 242-7714 (205) 755-3483 (205) 755-3550 (205) 389-1735
Thad McClammy (D-Montgomery) (334) 242-7780 (334) 264-6767 (334) 284-1769 (334) 224-7606
Oliver Robinson (D-Jefferson) (334) 242-7769 (205) 849-6765
William Thigpen (D-Fayette, Lamar, Tuscaloosa) (205) 932-3317 (205) 932-4510 (205) 270-0749
James Thomas (D- Autauga, Dallas, Lowndes, Wilcox) (334) 242-7701 (334) 682-9590
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Do you think ALFA wrote policies that help their customers or help the company? All of these Politicians have lost sight of what their job is. Their job is to represent the people of Alabama not the special interest groups or the companies. But all these guys are just trying to get that re-election/ kickback money from them. Why can’t Troy King get involved here there has to be some kind of pay offs going on.