(NASHVILLE) — Throughout the first half of the 110th Tennessee General Assembly, the House Insurance and Banking Committee was particularly active in the legislative process. Thanks to the hard work of State Representative Mike Sparks (R-Smyrna) and fellow committee members, the panel advanced a total of 23 legislative initiatives with eighteen of those bills being signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.
These initiatives support business growth and development, cut prescription and health care costs, and improve communication between providers and patients. Some of the legislation includes:
- House Bill 18: Reduces the cost burden of prescription eye drop refills for patients.
- House Bill 77: Clarifies guidelines for insurance coverage of off-highway vehicles.
- House Bill 150: Increases totals paid out to benefactors of deceased investors.
- House Bill 280: Revises fee provisions for owners under the vehicle insurance verification program.
- House Bill 304: Promotes business growth by reducing government regulations.
- House Bill 338: Lowers health care costs and improves the quality of care public elementary and secondary school students receive.
- House Bill 405: Protects licensed pharmacists from discrimination by managed health insurance providers.
- House Bill 498: Improves communication between health providers and patients.
“Serving alongside the men and women on my committee is an absolute honor; Tennesseans are well-served by the dedicated members of the House Insurance and Banking Committee,” said the Committee Chairman, State Representative Ron Travis (R-Dayton). “As I reflect on our work in 2017, I believe we all fought diligently on behalf of small businesses, health care patients and providers, and the entire state. I look forward to continuing our work for the people of Tennessee during the 2018 legislative session.”
Furthermore, the efforts of the committee did not go unnoticed by House leadership, especially Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville).
“I want to personally thank the hardworking members of the House Insurance and Banking Committee for their dedication to growth and stability throughout Tennessee,” said Speaker Harwell. “Their work during the 2017 legislative session will deeply impact and improve the lives of Tennesseans everywhere.”
Mike Sparks serves on the House Insurance & Banking Committee and the House Business & Utilities Committee, as well as the House Business & Utilities Subcommittee. Sparks lives in Smyrna and represents House District 49, which includes part of Rutherford County. He can be reached by email at Rep.Mike.Sparks@capitol.tn.gov or by calling (615) 741-6829.
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