News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press
State Capitol
Secretary Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: March 13, 1997 Contact: Senator Dave Donley Staff -- Laura Hosey, 907/465-3892

Senate Votes To Guard Domestic Violence Victims From Insurance Discrimination

Juneau -- The Senate Thursday unanimously passed Senate Bill 14 to thwart insurance companies from canceling, denying, or increasing insurance policies of domestic violence victims and to require insurers to disclose the reasons why insurance is increased, canceled or denied.

"Victims of domestic violence suffer enough pain. They don’t need the added stress of doing further battle with their insurance companies," said Senator Dave Donley (R-Anchorage), sponsor of SB 14.

Donley noted that this legislation represents a nationwide trend to protect innocent and vulnerable victims. Sixteen states have already passed legislation similar to SB 14.

"Insurance discrimination against victims of domestic violence has been a serious problem in the lower 48. I introduced SB 14 to stop such discrimination before it starts in Alaska," Donley said.

"Members of the Republican-led majority have committed to attack Alaska’s crime problems head-on. This legislation reaches out to ensure compassion in the systems set up to help those who are hurt by domestic violence," said Donley.

SB 14 was drafted with the advice and support of the Division of Insurance, and is supported by the Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, The Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, the Alaska Women's Lobby, AWAIC, the Anchorage Women's Political Caucus, and STAR Rape Crisis Center.

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