ALABAMA

ALDOI Advises Coastal Residents to Check Coverages

Alabama Passes Steel Coil Hauling Legislation

Alabama Blitz Finds More Crash-Causing Activity Among Passenger Vehicles

Alabama holds first statewide Distracted Driving Summit U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood delivered the keynote speech Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Alabama Distracted Driving Summit in Birmingham, addressing the dangerous and growing trend of distracted driving. LaHood also commended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the Transportation Centers in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa for their leadership in convening the first-ever statewide summit on the issue.

ALASKA

Consumer Beware!

Alaska Motor Vehicles Fatalities

ARIZONA

Arizona information related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

EPA to measure truck emissions along Arizona border

ARKANSAS

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Says Workers’ Compensation Costs Continue to Decline

CALIFORNIA

Calif. reefer deadline Dec. 31 California is warning truckers with 2002 model Transport Refrigeration Units and older that they must comply with emissions control technology before Jan. 1.

California Looks at Strict Fuel Standards

COLORADO

Lawmakers get an earful from truckers stung by Dem late fees Already waylaid by the recession and one of the highest tax-and-fee schedules in the region, Colorado's struggling truckers now are being hamstrung by late fees slapped on their vehicles under legislation that the Ritter administration pushed through the 2009 General Assembly

Colorado, North Carolina ‘texting’ while driving bans take effect Dec. 1 As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, two states are on the verge of implementing new laws that are intended to cut down on driver distractions while people try to navigate their roadways.

CONNECTICUT

Connecticut trucking owner sentenced 6 years!

Connecticut Product Liability Alert: CVS sued for selling expired products Legal news for Connecticut Product Liability attorneys –The Department of Consumer Protection and Connecticut Attorney General sue CVS stores for selling expired products.

DELAWARE

Flying J Sells Off Insurance Arm to Raise Cash

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Hidden cost of the uninsured and underinsured in WA: Nearly $1 billion

Cease-and-desist order issued Former insurance agent believed to have sold bogus insurance The state Office of the Insurance Commissioner has ordered a former insurance agent to immediately stop selling what are apparently fake insurance policies.

Insurance Commissioner Kreidler cracks down on insurers that don’t play by the rules Olympia, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued nearly $300,000 in fines and pulled several insurance agents’ licenses when they failed to follow the rules in the first few months of the year.

FLORIDA

CDL Requirements/Testing Procedures As of September 30, the Florida Cabinet approved the adoption of the Proposed Rule 15A-7, to change a number of the requirements and definitions related to Commercial Drivers License testing. 

GEORGIA

Con-way Freight Safety Managers Honored The Georgia Motor Truck Association and the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association have honored two of Con-way Freight's safety managers as Safety Professionals of the Year.

HAWAII

AIG Hawaii to Take Farmers Name in 2010 Beginning in 2010, AIG Hawaii Insurance Co. Inc. will be known as Farmers Insurance Hawaii Inc. to reflect its new ownership.

IDAHO

Idaho Insurance Department Cautions Producers Against Free Services The Idaho Department of Insurance is warning insurance producers that offering extra services outside of the insurance contract at no cost to clients or potential clients is a violation of state law. In recent months, the DOI said it has become aware of some producers, for example, offering value added services such as administration of a buy down program for an employer as a method of reducing the cost of the health insurance plan, COBRA administration, and human resource/employee benefit consulting.

ILLINOIS

Illinois-Based Manufacturer of Scientific Equipment Settles Charges of Export Violations

Chicago Tightens Idling Regulations

INDIANA

IOWA

Iowa-Based Company Settles Export Allegations on Crime Control Items

KANSAS

Insurance department legislation would help laid-off workers with new federal health benefits A Kansas Insurance Department-sponsored bill introduced last week in the Kansas House of Representatives would help Kansans who recently lost their jobs get health insurance provisions under the new federal stimulus legislation, according to Sandy Praeger,
Commissioner of Insurance.

KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

ESCORT REQUIREMENTS FOR OVERSIZE AND/OR OVERWEIGHT VEHICLES OR LOADS

NCOIL Model to Prevent Construction Employee Misclassification, Address Workers’ Comp Fraud The National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) on November 22 took a strong stand against employee misclassification by unanimously approving a Construction Industry Workers’ Compensation Coverage Act during its Annual Meeting here.

MAINE

Motor Vehicle Glass and Collision Damage Repair THIS BULLETIN REPLACES BUREAU OF INSURANCE BULLETINS 171 AND 284

UNINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE The Maine Insurance Code requires that motor vehicle insurance policies provide coverage for uninsured vehicles.

COVERAGE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS UNDER HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES Sections 2744 and 2835 of the Maine Insurance Code (Title 24-A M.R.S.A.) require health insurers to cover the services of certain mental health providers to the extent that the same services would be covered if performed by a physician.

Automobile Insurance Rating and Underwriting of Insureds Based on Advancing Age Prohibited This bulletin is intended to clarify application of 24-A M.R.S.A. § 2916 to automobile insurance policies. Section 2916, which applies to personal auto insurance, reads as follows:

Medical Liability Claim Reports Every insurer providing professional liability insurance to osteopathic or allopathic physicians, or to any other health care provider, is required to submit claim reports and reports of disposition to the Superintendent of Insurance pursuant to 24 M.R.S.A. §§ 2601-2608. "Health care provider" is defined at 24 M.R.S.A. § 2502(2) as:

MARYLAND

Maryland Insurance Administration Orders United Healthcare to Pay More Than $1.5 Million in Restitution and Penalties The Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) investigation of utilization review procedures (the process used for assessing whether a proposed or delivered health care service is payable under a health insurance policy) used by UnitedHealthcare and its subsidiaries (“United”) uncovered the use of non-compliant procedures.

MASSACHUSETTS

Bio Fuel Law in Massachusetts Massachusetts Govenor Deval Patrick has signed the Clean Energy Biofuels Act which is a law that will promote the use of biofuels.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Agents Clamor for a “Fair” Premium Rating System Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents President, Frank Mancini, together with some key people from his organization testified at the State House meeting last Thursday, November 12, in support of legislation that will make the ban on the use of socioeconomic factors in setting auto insurance premiums as part of State law.

Praises Aired for Ex-Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Insurance companies, government officials, and national organizations hailed Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes for the changes she introduced to the auto insurance industry. State Gov. Deval Patrick recently announced that Burnes would step down to pursue a teaching career at Northeastern University.

MICHIGAN

Michigan Car Insurance Can Be More Affordable in 2010 A lot of people complain about prohibitive car insurance fees that almost cost an arm and a leg.  Some people opt not to sign in to one not seeing any practicality to something that is rarely used, but can burn a hole in one’s pocket.  In these challenging times where every buck counts, a lot of people would view car insurance as a nuisance and unnecessary.  They would rather use the money for more important matters.

Proposed Michigan Insurance Ballot Proposition Stirs Conflict  An effort to put a proposition on the Michigan ballot to change auto insurance regulation is drawing radically different reactions from interest groups.

MINNESOTA

$250,000 fine levied against insurance agent The Minnesota Department of Commerce this week levied a $250,000 fine against Michael Antonello, an insurance agent the department previously accused of insurance fraud.  It is the largest fine levied against an individual by the department in recent memory.

Minnesota Moves to 5 Percent Biodiesel Minnesota is the first state to require that diesel fuel contain a 5 percent blend of biodiesel.

MISSISSIPPI

Mississippi Department of Insurance New Laws

MISSOURI

Missouri Department of Insurance reminds parents to review their insurance policies before sending kids to college Sending a child to college can be an emotional and trying time. Remembering to pack everything a student will need while away from home is a challenge — and so is understanding your changing insurance needs.  

MONTANA

NEBRASKA

2010 IFTA decals already on? Carry your 2009 permit until January 1 If you’ve already received your 2010 International Fuel Tax Agreement permit and decals, you’re welcome to start using them--with a catch.

SECURITY THREAT ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES Prior to the issuance of a Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License with the hazardous materials endorsement, individuals will be required as per the U.S. PATRIOT ACT to have a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment completed.

NEVADA

Nevada Chain Requirements NRS 484.643 requires the use of chains or snow tires on motor vehicles driven on any street or
highway under icy or snowy conditions when the highway is marked or posted with signs requiring the use of chains or snow tires.

September 2009 Truck Tonnage Report Video

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Insurance- Legal Analysis of Proposal to Transfer Excess Funds Held by the Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association This Memorandum will discuss whether it is lawful for the Legislature to transfer excess funds currently held by the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) to the General Fund.

NEW JERSEY

New Jersey Firm Fined $700,000 for Unlicensed Exports of Specialty Powders

NEW MEXICO

NEW YORK

New York State bans texting while driving

NORTH CAROLINA

North Carolina-Based Manufacturer of Semiconductor Technologies Settles Charges of Export Violations and False Statements

Colorado, North Carolina ‘texting’ while driving bans take effect Dec. 1 As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, two states are on the verge of implementing new laws that are intended to cut down on driver distractions while people try to navigate their roadways.

NORTH DAKOTA

Employment-Supreme Court Ruling in Construction Case Regulation and Licensing Superintendent Kelly O’Donnell today called a ruling by the New Mexico Supreme Court “another blow to unlicensed contractors and an important victory for consumers

OHIO

Ohio Truckstop Adds Transflo Express Scanning

Ohio Ends Split Speed Limit Ohio will end its split speed limit for cars and heavy trucks as part of a $9.2 billion, two-year transportation budget signed into law this week by Gov. Ted Strickland.

OKLAHOMA

Oklahoma Depatment of Public Safety- Size and Weight Permits Division Extreme caution in the operation of permitted vehicles and loads shall be exercised during hazardous conditions, including but not limited to snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, smoke, excessive wind, or any weather, traffic, or road condition which would adversely affect traction or braking capabilities. When conditions become dangerous, the company or the operator shall discontinue operations, and operations shall not resume until the vehicle and load can be moved with reasonable safety. The state may restrict or prohibit operations during periods, when, in the state's judgment, weather, traffic, road, or other conditions exist which make operations unsafe or inadvisable. Annual Permit for fire districts, owners of implements of husbandry, and self-hauling dealers of implements of husbandry. Please open, print, read, and fill out the permit form. Permits are to be carried in the vehicle.

OREGON

Oregon Modifies Chain Regulation Under the Oregon Department of Transportation's recently modified chain regulation, tandem drive axle trucks are allowed to go without chains when signs are posted.

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania Cracks Down on Truck Driver Violations

RHODE ISLAND

Rhode Island Becomes 19th to outlaw Texting While Driving

SOUTH CAROLINA

Texting Bans, Seizure on Phones, 80 mph New Bills Several SC lawmakers pre-filed 2010 Session bills last week that would outlaw texting while driving.

Trial Lawyers Target Trucks The South Carolina Association for Justice web site last seminar opportunities and promotes aggressive pursuit of trucking rebate/lawsuits.  They even focus on finding ways to bring truckers into lawsuits where they have little or no relation to the cause of an accident.

SOUTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE

Peterbilt to Shutter Nashville Assembly Plant Peterbilt announced it will permanently close its Madison, Tenn., truck assembly plant in an effort to realign its North American manufacturing operations . The plant will shutter Dec. 1.

TEXAS

Affiliates of Texas Company Settle Charges for Unlawful Exports and Reexports to Sanctioned Countries and Listed Entities

TX DWC Approves 13 Companies to Self-Insure For WC Claims Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) approved the renewal of the Certificates of Authority for thirteen companies to self-insure for workers’ compensation claims for a one-year period under the TDI-DWC Self-Insurance Regulation program. 

Trucker Program Attracts Mexican Drug Smugglers A U.S. program that offers trusted trucking companies speedy passage across American borders has begun attracting just the sort of customers who place a premium on avoiding inspections: Mexican drug smugglers.

UTAH

UDOT Employs Advanced Winter Operations Technologies and Practices to Clear and Maintain Roads Efficiently UDOT has added new advanced technologies and proactive practices, including the state’s first TowPlow, driving simulator and GPS equipped snowplows, to increase efficiencies and savings while clearing snow from the 16,000 lane miles of road UDOT is responsible for maintaining this year.

VERMONT

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES LARGEST DECREASE IN WORKERS COMPENSATION RATES SINCE 1997 Governor Jim Douglas announced today that most Vermont employers will enjoy lower workers’ compensation costs when new rates approved by the Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration (BISHCA) go into effect on April 1, 2009. This will be the largest average decrease in rates since 1997.

VIRGINIA

Virginia Size, Weight and Equipment Requirements for Trucks, Trailers and Towed Vehicles The material in this booklet has been condensed from the Motor Vehicle Code of Virginia and explains the size, weight and equipment requirements for trucks, trailers, and towed vehicles.

WASHINGTON

Axle Weight Table

Exemptions for 61-Foot Trailers

WEST VIRGINIA

Governor's Highway Safety Program to present awards The award winners are involved in all aspects of highway safety from law enforcement, corporate programs, government administration and media/communications.

WISCONSIN

Security Health Plan of Wisconsin Ranked among Nation''''s Best Health Plans Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc., is one of the nation's top 20 Medicare plans, and offers the 37th best commercial health plan, according to U.S. News & World Report/NCQA America's Best Health Insurance Plans1 2009-10 (see also Security Health Plan)

WYOMING

How to prepare and Maintain Records in Accordance with the International Registration Plan (IRP) The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)