WIDOW PROTECTION MEASURE PASSES HOUSE

The following information was released by the Oklahoma House of Representatives:

The Oklahoma House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 3802, authored by Rep. Chris Sneed, R-Fort Gibson, to protect surviving spouses from auto insurance rate increases following the loss of a spouse.

House Bill 3802 prohibits insurers from raising motor vehicle liability premiums solely because a deceased spouse is removed from a policy. It also would clarify a change cannot be treated as material change in risk when determining rates.

"Losing a spouse is one of life's deepest heartbreaks. In those moments of grief, families should be met with compassions, not added burdens," said Sneed. "This bill would ensure that insurance companies treat everyone fairly, by honoring their policy and not raising rates simply because they've lost their spouse. It's a small step toward offering stability and dignity during a time when it's needed most."

Insurers may still adjust premiums for legitimate, actuarially supported reasons, but not solely due to the removal of a deceased spouse. Any increase made in violation would be considered void and must be refunded.

Rep. Stacy Jo Adams, R-Duncan, worked closely with Sneed on this bill.

"As a personal lines agent, I've sat across the table from widows having to navigate heartbreaking loss," Adams said. "To then see their insurance rates go up, when the risk has actually gone down, just feels wrong. This bill corrects that and restores fairness to the system."

HB3802 passed the House with a 95-0 vote and now moves to the Senate for further consideration, where Sen. Avery Frix, R-Muskogee, is the Senate author.