Legislative Panel Rejects Insurance Bill

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — An interim legislative committee has declined to sponsor a proposed bill that would give the state more power to crack down on insurance companies that fail to comply with their contracts or policies.

The proposal failed on a 7-4 vote Thursday before the Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivision Committee.

Jim Mitchell, of the state Department of Insurance, says Wyoming law lacks a specific provision that lets the state take action on contract or policy disputes.

He said if residents have complaints, all the department can do is to refer them to the courts.

The Associated Press reports  that the measure drew opposition from insurance companies who said it was a case of unnecessary regulation.