MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Representative Stevens

AN ACT TO ALLOW INSURANCE COMPANIES TO ADVERTISE IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE; TO PROVIDE THAT THE ENGLISH-WRITTEN INSURANCE POLICY IS CONTROLLING; AS FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 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 may provide an insurance policy written only in English if the advertisement clearly states that the insurance policy is available only in English. Notwithstanding the use of a language other than English in advertisements, in the case of a dispute, the English-written insurance policy is controlling and any advertisements for insurance policies, informational sheets or translations shall not be construed to modify or change the insurance policy.

Nothing in the section shall 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 July 1, 2000.