SB 7: Venue for Insurance Company Actions

Specifies that an insurance company shall be deemed to reside in the county in which it maintains its registered office. A foreign insurance company without a registered office in any county in Missouri shall be deemed to reside in, and be a resident of, Cole County. Venue for claims in which there is a count against an insurer or for actions arising from an insurance contract shall be in the county where the insurer resides, or in the Missouri county where the insured's principal place of residence was located at the time of the insurance contract was issued. For uninsured or underinsured motorists, venue shall be in the county where the accident occurred if the accident occurred in Missouri. If the accident occurred outside of Missouri, venue shall be in the county where the insurer resides, or the Missouri county where the insured's principal place of residence was located at the time of the accident.

SB 30: Comparative Negligence – Seatbelts

Provides that in actions arising out the design, construction, manufacture, distribution, or sale of a motor vehicle factory equipped with a safety belt, failure to wear a safety belt by the plaintiff shall be admissible as evidence of comparative negligence or fault, causation, absence of a defect or hazard, and failure to mitigate damages.

SB 147: Motorcycle Headgear (Vetoed by Governor)

Provides that qualified operators who are 18 or older may operate a motorcycle without a helmet if he or she is covered by a health insurance policy or other form of insurance which will provide the person with medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a motorcycle accident. Proof of such coverage shall be provided on request of law enforcement by showing a copy of the qualified operator's insurance card.

SB 414: Missouri Health Insurance Innovation Task Force

Creates the "Missouri Health Insurance Innovation Task Force" with the purpose of soliciting concepts and making recommendations for a section 1332 innovation waiver application under the Affordable Care Act. The task force shall focus on improving access to health care, decreasing premiums, and increasing the number of carriers.

SB 514: MEWA Health Plans

Specifies that multiple-employer self-insured health plans may be offered or advertised to the public by insurance producers, provided the plan has a certificate of authority to transact business in the state. Health carriers acting as an administrator for a multiple-employer self-insured health plan shall permit any willing licensed broker to quote, sell, solicit, or market the plans, provided that the broker is appointed and in good standing with the health carrier and completes all required training.

HB 182: Interest Rates on Insurance Payments

Clarifies that insurance companies who voluntarily pay interest on any claim, refund, penalty or payment for which the appropriate interest rate is not already provided for by law, shall also calculate the interest rate pursuant to Section 32.065, but not to exceed 9%.