5/23/05-A bill that would have limited uninsured motorists’ right to sue has died.
The bill was awaiting a vote before the full Senate at the close of the session May 13, effectively killing it for the year. It previously passed the House.
Sponsored by Rep. Brian Yates, R-Lee’s Summit, the bill would have prohibited uninsured motorists who get hit by other drivers from suing for pain and suffering damages.
It was intended to provide an incentive for irresponsible motorists to ante up for insurance and prevent them from getting a windfall by suing insured drivers.
Yates’ effort would have waived uninsured motorists rights to sue for noneconomic – pain and suffering – damages. Uninsured drivers would have retained the right to sue for economic damages, such as medical costs, damage to a vehicle and attorneys’ fees.
HB417 would not have applied to drivers whose insurance is dropped for nonpayment and who have not received 30 days’ notice of the policy’s cancellation.

5/9/05-The Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industrial Relations Committee voted in favor of a bill May 5 that would limit uninsured motorists’ right to sue.
HB417, sponsored by Rep. Brian Yates, R-Lee’s Summit, would prohibit uninsured motorists who get hit by other drivers from suing for pain and suffering damages.
Sponsored by Rep. Brian Yates, R-Lee’s Summit, the measure is intended to provide an incentive for irresponsible motorists to ante up for insurance and prevent them from getting a windfall by suing insured drivers.
The bill would waive uninsured motorists rights to sue for noneconomic – pain and suffering – damages. The uninsured driver would retain the right to sue for economic damages, such as medical costs, damage to a vehicle and attorneys’ fees.
It would not apply to drivers whose insurance is dropped for nonpayment and who have not received 30 days’ notice of the policy’s cancellation.
The bill, which has already passed the House, now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4633.

4/26/05-The House voted 106-46 April 20 to approve a bill that would limit uninsured motorists right to sue. It now moves to the Senate.
HB417, sponsored by Rep. Brian Yates, R-Lee’s Summit, is intended to provide an incentive for irresponsible motorists to ante up for insurance and prevent them from getting a windfall by suing insured drivers.
Yates’ effort would waive uninsured motorists rights to sue for noneconomic – pain and suffering – damages. The uninsured driver would retain the right to sue for economic damages, such as medical costs, damage to a vehicle and attorneys’ fees.
It would not apply to drivers whose insurance is dropped for nonpayment and who have not received 30 days’ notice of the policy’s cancellation.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4633.