Survey on Tort Reform and Insurance Costs

BULLETIN B 02-06 TO: All Insurers Transacting Casualty Insurance Business in the State of Alaska RE: Survey on Tort Reform and Insurance Costs In 1997, the legislature passed House Bill 58 on tort reform, which was signed into law (chapter 26, SLA 1997) and became effective on August 7, 1997. This legislation also amended the insurance code by adding a new provision at Alaska Statute 21.06.087 that requires insurers doing business in Alaska to provide information necessary for the Director of the Division of Insurance to evaluate the effect of HB 58 on the availability and costs of insurance in this state. Beginning June 1, 2000, such information compiled by the director must be reported annually to the governor and the judiciary committees of both houses of the legislature. As part of the process to meet the requirements of AS 21.06.087, the division is updating the survey results from those gathered in 1999 by resubmitting the survey. This survey is to be completed by all insurers transacting casualty insurance business in Alaska. The results of the second survey may be used in the annual report to the governor and legislature. The results of the survey will be considered as the division drafts and adopts regulations to implement AS 21.06.087, as required by the statute. Completed surveys should be returned by April 18, 2002 to Sarah McNair-Grove via electronic mail at sarah_mcnair@commerce.state.ak.us. In order to access this survey on the Internet, go to our web page at: . Go to "Bulletins Issued" and select Bulletin B 02-06. You may then copy the survey into a file to complete and return to the division by electronic mail. If you do not have access to electronic mail, you may fax your response to (907) 465-3422 or mail it to the Division of Insurance; Attention Sarah McNair-Grove; P.O. Box 110805; Juneau, AK 99811-0805. A brief summary of some of the major changes under House Bill 58 is included in the attached survey. The full text of HB 58 on tort reform may be found at http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/start.asp. Select BASIS Alaska State 20th Legislature, display HB 58 and finally, select full text for SCS CSSSHB 58(RLS) am S. If you have any questions regarding this bulletin, please contact the Division of Insurance; P.O. Box 110805; Juneau, AK 99811-0805; (907) 465-2515; fax (907) 465-3422; or via electronic mail at: . DATED: March 27, 2002. Robert A. Lohr Director