STATEHOUSE – Two pieces of legislation authored by State Representative Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) were signed into law by Governor Pence.
While insurance companies are required to deliver certain documents via first class or certified mail, House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1058 now allows for the electronic delivery of insurance notices and documents.
Recipients must consent to electronic delivery and can withdraw that consent at any time. Hoosiers will still be able to receive additional hard copies of notices and documents as well, if they wish.
“As a wife and mother of four, I can appreciate that people’s schedules are busier than ever and that we live in an electronic age,” said Rep. Mayfield. “I authored this legislation in order to give consumers more options. I also hope that providing documents electronically will result in savings for insurers which will lead to savings for consumers as well.”
HEA 1070 requires the DOC Ombudsman to create a monthly report that includes a summary of the findings of all substantiated complaints. This new law also allows the Ombudsman to conduct investigations of alleged violations of department policy, state or federal laws and department administrative rules at any department facility.
Based on these investigations and findings, the Ombudsman will now be able to recommend changes to the Commissioner of the DOC concerning department policies or practices.
“While previously these monthly reports were not required, the current Ombudsman was still creating them, so this law will not significantly increase her workload. However, it will ensure increased transparency in state government even after she is no longer the Ombudsman,” said Rep. Mayfield. “By expanding the Ombudsman’s investigatory powers, we are increasing the department’s accountability and putting into statute those practices which have proven effective and necessary.”
Both HEA 1058 and HEA 1070 will go into effect July 1, 2014.
While in Indianapolis today, Rep. Mayfield also attended the signing of HEA 1002, a bill which transfers up to $400 million in major road funding, making Indiana eligible for more than $1.6 billion in additional federal funds. By improving our roads and infrastructure, HEA 1002 will provide a direct benefit to Hoosier drivers while at the same time increasing the capacity for business throughout the state.
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