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Bill

Bill

SB 602

TO PROHIBIT INSURANCE COMPANIES AND APPRAISERS FROM REQUIRING AN INSURED TO USE CERTAIN FACILITIES TO REPAIR OR REPLACE DAMAGED MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY GLASS; AND TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Crowell and 1 co-sponsor

Senate Bill 602 aimed to empower consumers by allowing them to choose any repair facility for motor vehicle safety glass without insurer pressure or penalties.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 602

Summary of Senate Bill 602

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SB 602
Title: To Prohibit Insurance Companies and Appraisers from Requiring an Insured to Use Certain Facilities to Repair or Replace Damaged Motor Vehicle Safety Glass; and to Provide Penalties for Violations.
Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment
Introduced: April 1, 2025
Primary Sponsors: Senator Crowell, Representative Wooldridge

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 602 aims to enhance consumer rights by prohibiting insurance companies and appraisers from mandating that insured individuals use specific facilities for the repair or replacement of damaged motor vehicle safety glass. The bill seeks to ensure that consumers have the freedom to choose their repair facilities without facing penalties or delays from their insurance providers.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important provisions:

  1. Definition of Motor Vehicle Safety Glass:

    • The bill defines "motor vehicle safety glass" as glass for which no deductible applies when being repaired or replaced.

  2. Prohibition on Requirements:

    • Insurance companies and appraisers are prohibited from:
      • Requiring insured individuals to use a specific repair facility.
      • Suggesting that choosing a non-affiliated facility may lead to delays or lack of guarantees for the repair work.

  3. Disclosure Requirements:

    • During initial contact with insured individuals, insurance representatives must inform them of their right to choose any glass shop for repairs.
    • If a representative provides the name of a glass shop, they must also offer at least one alternative shop that is not owned by the insurance company or its affiliates.

  4. Penalties for Violations:

    • Violations of this section would be classified as unfair trade practices under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act, subjecting violators to penalties outlined in existing trade practices legislation.

Impact

  • Consumers: The bill is designed to empower consumers by ensuring they can select their preferred repair facilities without coercion from insurance companies.
  • Insurance Companies: Insurers would need to adjust their practices to comply with the new regulations, potentially impacting their claims processing and customer service protocols.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 1, 2025: Bill filed and introduced.
  • April 3, 2025: Recommended to pass with amendments.
  • April 7, 2025: Passed in the Senate and transmitted to the House.
  • April 9, 2025: Read in the House and referred to the Committee on Insurance & Commerce.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in the House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 602 sought to protect consumer rights in the context of motor vehicle safety glass repairs by prohibiting insurance companies from imposing restrictions on repair facility choices. Although it gained initial support, the bill ultimately did not progress past the House Committee stage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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