legislation News

UK Self-Driving Car Dreams Could Break Down at the Starting Line

LONDON – Britain could lose out on investments in autonomous vehicles and see startups shift testing elsewhere if promised laws to regulate the technology are not passed before the next general election, startups and insurance companies said. Despite the government’s …

More States Requiring Patients to Give Consent for Students Giving Pelvic Exams

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A new batch of states are looking to legislate the level of informed consent when it comes to medical students performing pelvic exams for educational purposes on unconscious patients. At least 20 states already have consent …

U.S. Senate Committee to Vote on Bipartisan Rail Safety Bill

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday will vote on sweeping bipartisan rail safety legislation prompted by a Norfolk Southern-operated NSC.N train derailment on Feb. 3 in Ohio. Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, said the legislation will mandate the …

Florida House Panel Approves Bill to End AOBs in Windshield Repair

Auto insurance and tort-reform groups are celebrating after a subcommittee of the Florida House Banking and Insurance Committee approved a bill that would ban assignment-of-benefits agreements for windshield repairs, a measure that proponents hope will stem a flood of litigation …

New Louisiana Laws Require Hurricane Mediation Program, Catastrophe Response Plan

Louisiana lawmakers passed several bills last legislative session in response to insurers’ handling of recent natural disasters, five of which went into effect Jan. 1, 2023. The legislation resulted from a shaken homeowners insurance market that experienced eight insurers leave …

Congress OKs New Law on Tourist Boats After Missouri Tragedy

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A bill requiring stricter safety rules in response to the 2018 deadly sinking of a tourist boat in Missouri is headed to President Joe Biden for his signature. The legislation, which passed the Senate on …

US Autonomous Vehicle Group Picks Ex-Senate Aide as Director

A group representing self-driving car companies is appointing a former U.S. Senate aide as its new head as the industry works to convince U.S. policymakers to speed the deployment of autonomous vehicles and jumpstart stalled legislation. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry …

FTC Looking at Rules to Corral Tech Firms’ Data Collection

WASHINGTON (AP) — Whether it’s the fitness tracker on your wrist, the “smart” home appliances in your house or the latest kids’ fad going viral in online videos, they all produce a trove of personal data for big tech companies. …

NY Gov. Hochul Mulls Bill that Would Expand Damages in Wrongful Death Cases

As New York Gov. Kathy Hochul mulls whether to sign legislation that will expand the types of damages that could be won in wrongful deaths cases, businesses including insurers are warning the change could mean higher liability insurance costs in …

California to Increase Awards in Medical Malpractice Cases

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — People who get hurt because of a doctor’s negligence in California could soon get a lot more money in malpractice lawsuits under an agreement reached Wednesday that — if approved by the state Legislature — would …