Michigan’s no-fault insurance law is likely to see dramatic changes as people gathered at the Capitol this week to speak in favor or against the proposed changes. Hundreds gathered at the Capitol to voice their opinion. The majority of people were in favor of retaining the state’s lifetime medical coverage for those who suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents.
In case the law is passed and if the people are not in favor of it, then they could challenge the same with a referendum as there are provisions according to the Michigan Constitution. However, the Republican sponsors seem to have found a way around that too.
There is an appropriation of $50,000 at the end of the 42-page bill, which requires drivers to opt for the level of auto insurance coverage that they want, and also end the guarantee on the lifetime medical coverage.
This $50,000 appropriation will help in implementing the amendment in the law.
Pete Lund, who is the Republican state representative, has stated that the money is required for a report as well as study of the effects of the law.
According to the Michigan Constitution, a law which appropriates money is considered to be referendum proof. This was done to ensure that the credit as well as the full faith of the state was not jeopardized in any way.
In general, the legislature gives it approvals for the measures and also approves separate spending bills, via appropriations committees in order to implement those measures.
However, the amount of money that is spent on the report for a no-fault proposal is immaterial; states Former Republican state Representative Jim Howell.
Howell states that there are a number of lawmakers who do not know that the technicalities could deny voters their right to reject a law that is passed by the Legislature. Although he is no longer in the Legislature, Howell states that he has something personal when it comes to no-fault insurance.
His son Sam was in the hospital for about six months after he was critically injured in a car accident. Sam is alive and Howell states that it was only possible due to the medical coverage that he got from the auto insurance.
Howell spoke to the current lawmakers and shared his personal story. He also reminded legislators that the proposals to bring about changes in Michigan’s no fault law had already been rejected by voters even earlier on.
