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Bill > SB462

GA SB462

GA SB462
"Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act"; insurance coverage for certain out-of-network ambulance transportation service; provide

summary

Introduced
02/04/2026
In Committee
03/20/2026
Crossed Over
02/18/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance, so as to update and modernize provisions of the Georgia Insurance Code to improve consumer protections, enhance department authority, and increase government efficiency; to provide for insurance coverage for certain out-of-network ambulance transportation service; to provide for the minimum allowable reimbursement rate for such service; to provide for maximum amounts on copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles for such service; to provide for definitions; to provide for a claim for a refund of certain fees and taxes relative to insurance premiums to be made within three years of payment to the Commissioner; to provide for the Department of Insurance to collect certain data annually from insurers writing private passenger automobile insurance policies; to provide for the Commissioner of Insurance to order the refund of any excess profit made by such insurers; to provide for calculations; to provide for an order, notice, and opportunity for hearing; to provide for cash refunds or credit refunds; to provide for certification; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for the submission of information on suspected insurance fraud; to provide for certain entities to pay fees into the Special Insurance Fraud Fund; to provide for the Commissioner of Insurance to employ prosecuting attorneys for the prosecution of insurance fraud; to prohibit the solicitation, release, or sale of automobile accident information; to provide for the recruitment of insurers to this state; to provide for the retention of insurers S. B. 462 (SUB) in this state; to provide for timely claims processing after a catastrophic event; to provide for reporting the use of premium tax funds; to authorize consideration of all available information when reviewing insurance rates; to provide for contractual limitations; to provide for exemptions; to provide for storm damage mitigation through the Georgia Storm Mitigation Program; to provide for funding; to provide for matching and nonmatching grants; to provide for eligibility; to provide for mitigation contractors; to provide for excluded drivers; to provide for increased fees for driving without minimum motor vehicle insurance coverage; to provide for increased monetary penalties; to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to provide for excluded drivers and proof of insurance; to provide for violation and penalties; to amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, to provide for a conforming change; to provide for related matters; to provide for short titles; to provide for legislative purposes; to provide for effective dates and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill, known as the "Georgia Insurance Fairness Act (GIFA)," aims to update and modernize Georgia's insurance laws to better protect consumers, strengthen the authority of the Commissioner of Insurance, and improve government efficiency. Key provisions include mandating insurance coverage for certain out-of-network ambulance transportation services, establishing minimum reimbursement rates and limits on patient cost-sharing for these services, and requiring insurers to pay ambulance providers directly. The bill also extends the timeframe for insurers to claim refunds of certain fees and taxes to three years, mandates that insurers writing private passenger automobile insurance collect and report specific data annually, and empowers the Commissioner to order refunds of excess profits made by these insurers, with options for cash or credit refunds. Furthermore, it enhances the Commissioner's ability to prosecute insurance fraud by allowing the employment of prosecuting attorneys and requires certain entities to contribute to the Special Insurance Fraud Fund. The bill also prohibits the solicitation, release, or sale of automobile accident information and introduces measures to recruit and retain insurers in Georgia. It also addresses timely claims processing after catastrophic events, allows for consideration of all available information when reviewing insurance rates, and establishes contractual limitations for property insurance policies. Additionally, the bill creates the Georgia Storm Mitigation Program to help reduce storm damage to residential properties through grants for mitigation improvements, and it introduces provisions for excluded drivers in motor vehicle insurance policies, along with increased fees and penalties for driving without minimum insurance coverage. Finally, the bill revises various penalty amounts and enforcement mechanisms across different insurance-related statutes to increase their deterrent effect.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (on 03/20/2026)

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