MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Senator(s) Kirby

Senate Bill 2848

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE AN INSURANCE COMPANY TO ADVERTISE A POLICY IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE, BUT ONLY OFFER THE POLICY IN ENGLISH; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  If an insurer advertises an insurance policy, or the availability of a foreign language informational sheet, or the availability of a translation of an insurance policy in a language other than English, the insurer only needs to provide an English written insurance policy, so long as the advertisement clearly states that the insurance policy is only available in English.   Notwithstanding the use of a language other than English in an advertisement, if there is a dispute, the insurance policy is controlling and an advertisement of an insurance policy, informational sheet or translation may not be construed to modify or change the insurance policy.

     (2)  Nothing in this section may be construed to require insurers to provide insurance related services, such as claim services, in a language other than English.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.