Oklahoma Senate bill Targets Uninsured Motorists

Uninsured motorists involved in a traffic accident would be unable to receive compensation for pain and suffering damages under a bill approved in the Oklahoma Senate.

The Senate voted 28-20 Wednesday for the bill over the objection of Democrats who say it’s unfair to punish accident victims who are not at fault. It now goes to the House.

Republican Sen. Cliff Aldridge wrote the bill and says uninsured motorists still would be compensated for medical bills, lost wages and damages to their vehicles. He says motorists who break the law by not carrying insurance should not be rewarded if they’re in an accident.

Democratic Sen. Connie Johnson questioned why Aldridge, an insurance agent, would carry a bill that benefits the insurance industry and not recuse himself from voting on it.