LANSING — This evening, the Michigan House of Representatives voted on House Bill 5013, which makes various changes to the state’s auto no-fault insurance system. The bill failed to pass, and in response, state Rep. David LaGrand (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement:
“From a legal perspective, I could not in good conscience support House Bill 5013, as it would make Michigan the only state in the nation to cap benefits to accident victims — including children — and eliminate their legal recourse after an accident. Any family agreeing to a reduction in coverage would then, in the case of a catastrophic accident, be likely forced into bankruptcy just to cover their care. That burden is then transferred onto the state and our taxpayers, costing us all in the long term. Where this bill fails to address the real causes of increased costs, there is a plan out there that would. I support the bipartisan Fair and Affordable No-Fault package, and I hope it receives a hearing shortly, because it would bring fairness to rates while increasing transparency, cracking down on fraud and reducing lawsuits — things that truly increase costs for all drivers. I’m ready to continue the conversation about rate relief, and it is my hope that conversation focuses on this plan.”