Citizens for Homeowners Insurance Reform

Paula's Letter Concerning 20 New Bills

After looking at the 20 bills and the short time frame allowed for notice to hearing, I am asking for a postponement of the March 3rd, 2010 hearing. I have many questions on the bills. Please read my letter below and call your legislators to ask for a postponement until we have an explanation on these how these bills will impact citizens.

Thank you for your continued efforts for our success. Our many voices are making a difference!
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Ms. Anthony and Legislators,

I was notified yesterday of the Public Hearing scheduled for March 3rd., 10 business days away, regarding 20 Homeowner Insurance Bills. Many of these bills have significant language which will financially impact coastal citizens as well as all citizens in MA.

First, I object to this process. I have called for the laws regarding Public Notice Requirements and was told by a legislative aide that committee chairs often give 48 hr. notice on Public hearings! Ridiculous, Anti-Citizen!

I have requested the exact language regarding Public Notice on Hearings by Committees.

Bills such as H Bill #900 appears to end the MPIUA and create a "new" company. This change is not explained thoroughly and will have huge impacts for coastal citizens since 45% of the present Fair Plan Policies are coastal.

The 20 bills should be subject to a review by experts and a report given as to how these bills would act out for the public. We should have comments from the DOI and the AG's office on these bills prior to a Public Hearing.

It is important for the citizens to have an understanding on the reasons for the bill and clarity on the expected outcome when enacted. Many of the supporting and sponsoring legislators themselves do not have knowledge how these bills will impact citizens. Some of the language makes one realize the power of the Insurance lobbyists !

Bill # 502 has language which could allow the coastal citizens to be charged even higher rates beyond the already 400% increase we have seen since 2004.

I am asking the Governor and Speaker of the House and Senate President to intercede and postpone this Hearing on March 3rd. by the Financial Services Committee until the citizens are able to have explanations as to how, why and what is the impact of these bills on citizens of MA.

Paula Aschettino
Chair/Founder
Citizens for Homeowners Insurance Reform
www.homeownersinsurancereform.org
508-240-5231
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Hearing List

OMNIBUS HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE REFORM

H985 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.
H986 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.
S453 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.
S502 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO INCREASING ACCESS TO HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.
H878 - AN ACT TO PROTECT CONSUMERS OF HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.
H1057 - AN ACT TO INCREASE INSURANCE CAPACITY IN THE COMMONWEALTH.
S503 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE CREDIT SYSTEM FOR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS PROPERTY INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION.
S506 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO COVERAGE UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS PROPERTY INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION.
H3893 - AN ACT ESTABLISHING A STATEWIDE DISASTER FUND.

WIND POOLS

H900 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.
H942 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOMEOWNER INSURANCE.
H1018 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO COVERAGE FOR INSURANCE LOSSES BY WINDSTORM AND HAIL THROUGH THE MASSACHUSETTS PROPERTY INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION.

CATASTROPHE MODELS

H866 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE RENEWAL OF INSURANCE POLICIES.
H1010 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOME OWNERS INSURANCE.

MISCELLANEOUS

H904 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO COVERAGES UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS PROPERTY INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION.
H3448 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOME OWNERS INSURANCE.
S505 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOMEOWNERS FIRE INSURANCE POLICIES.
H3895 - AN ACT REQUIRING INSURANCE COMPANIES TO OFFER SAME COVERAGE FOR MANUFACTURED HOUSING.
H906 - AN ACT RELATIVE TO HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.