MS HB1721

Grants the Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate disputes over Additional Living Expense (ALE) benefits under residential and small commercial property policies, requiring parties to exhaust this administrative process before filing civil lawsuits.

Requires insurers to make provisional ALE determinations within 3 business days and tender undisputed ALE payments within 5 business days; either party may file a petition with the Department of Insurance if these deadlines are missed or disputes arise.

Establishes expedited timelines for dispute resolution: petitions must be docketed within 2 business days, informal conferences held within 7 business days, and written orders issued within 5 business days after the conference.

Authorizes the Commissioner to issue interim ALE orders requiring insurers to provide minimum immediate funding for shelter and essential needs, with potential direct payments to vendors like landlords or hotels to prevent displacement interruption.

Permits insureds to satisfy documentation requirements during the first 60 days through "best available evidence" including attestations under penalty of perjury, and makes failure to comply with orders an unfair claims practice subject to administrative penalties and interest on past-due payments.