Update on State Domestic Violence Bills

Victims of domestic violence are a few steps closer to being protected from insurance companies that would discriminate against them. As reported in the February issue of Alternatives, CPA coordinated the five-state introduction of bills prohibiting insurers from discriminating against victims of domestic violence. Since then, one bill has been passed into law and another will soon be passed. In New Mexico, State Rep. Mimi Stewart guided her legislation successfully through the state legislature, while Georgia Rep. Connie Stokes’ bill is under consideration and is expected to pass. Proposed legislation in Illinois is still being considered, while the domestic violence bill was defeated in California and Washington. The initiative has sparked interest in similar bills in other states, such as Nevada and Alaska, as well.
Legislation to prevent insurance discrimination against domestic violence victims also is an integral part of the recommendations that were made to President Clinton and other leaders by CPA Summit participants, including Bonnie Campbell of the Department of Justice’s Violence Against Women office, and will be a key component of the Women’s Economic Agenda Package to be introduced in every state.