‘Clean-up’ bill for state-run Joint Underwriters Association goes to governor

For health providers who can’t afford medical malpractice insurance and for municipal liquor stores that  can’t pay for liability, along with day cares, foster homes and group homes needing coverage, there’s the Minnesota Joint Underwriting Association, a state-run insurance provider for these entities.

The Legislature has added different facets to the association’s purpose since 1986, providing insurance to any person or entity required by law to have coverage. Because of the additions, a bill passed 125-0 by the House on Monday would clean up language in the statutes governing the MJUA.

WATCH Full video of Monday's House Floor session on YouTube

Sponsored by Rep. Bob Loonan (R-Shakopee) and Sen. Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids), HF1046/SF879*, it now goes to Gov. Mark Dayton. The bill was passed 65-0 by the Senate April 27.

Loonan said the Department of Commerce brought forth the bill to create “more efficient government.” It would consolidate the personnel handling these operations into one department.

“I want to shout out to them for that,” Loonan said.