HB 4041 Summary

• Requires automobile insurers to transmit policy information electronically to the Secretary of State immediately upon policy issuance, including insurer name, policyholder name and address, vehicle identification number, and policy number for private passenger nonfleet automobiles.

• Mandates insurers notify the Secretary of State electronically immediately when an automobile insurance policy expires, is terminated, or is canceled, with specific information including VIN, policyholder details, policy number, and date/time of expiration or cancellation.

• Allows the Secretary of State to accept transmission of a vehicle identification number as proof of insurance for motor vehicle registration purposes; designates policy information as confidential and not subject to Freedom of Information Act disclosure except to the Department of Health and Human Services or by court order.

• Increases misdemeanor penalties for operating a motor vehicle without required insurance, changing fines from $200-$500 to $500 for a first offense or $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense, with imprisonment up to 1 year.

• Takes effect 90 days after enactment and is contingent on Senate Bill or House Bill 4010 also being enacted into law.