House Bill 5362 increases amount of damages that can be sought under no-fault insurance.

By Cindy Denby

As a member of the House Insurance Committee, I am always working to find ways to make our insurance system more effective and efficient, while also making dealing with insurance easier for customers. This week, the committee discussed and approved my legislation revising the amount a driver can sue for damage done to their vehicle under our no-fault system. Under current Michigan law, a driver can sue for damage up to $500 that is not covered by insurance. Damages can only be collected from a driver who is more than 50 percent at fault. This is one of the few exceptions in the no-fault insurance law of suing for damages.

House Bill 5362 increases the amount of damages that can be sought from $500 to $1,000 to better reflect what current deductibles on collision insurance are in Michigan. My bill also makes sure that anyone who is driving without insurance, which is illegal in Michigan, cannot utilize this provision.

Ensuring the children eat healthy food at lunch is an issue that has become more prevalent as childhood obesity continues to increase. The Michigan Department of Education this week reported that more fresh produce is being served as part of school meals. Michigan is utilizing $2.55 million on federal funds this school year to purchase fresh produce, of which nearly 50 percent is grown in Michigan to feed school children. Produce is only purchased outside of the state if it is out of season in Michigan. The program, funded through the U.S. Departments of Defense and Agriculture, offers schools a wider variety of fresh produce than would normally be available to them. More than 850 school districts in Michigan are utilizing this program. I'm pleased that our local food service directors are focused on directing our students to healthier eating and hope this practice continues in future school years.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via e-mail at cindydenby@house.mi.gov.