The California Assembly Committee on Communications and Conveyance has announced proposed changes to Senate Bill 371 (SB 371), which include increasing the minimum requirements for uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance, as well as initiating a collaborative research report.
According to the California Assembly, the committee’s recommended amendments raise the originally proposed insurance minimums to balance cost savings with consumer safety. This compromise—$100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident—responds to stakeholder feedback while preserving the bill’s intent. It reflects a proactive approach to reform without compromising public protection, according to the committee’s analysis.
LegiScan reports that raising the uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) threshold as suggested by the committee could help reduce the likelihood of accident victims facing out-of-pocket costs for catastrophic events. These revised limits better align with average medical costs in California and still present a reduction from the current $1 million mandate. The recommendation supports a scaled insurance model that matches real-world financial exposure.
The proposed joint study between the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and Department of Insurance will provide lawmakers with comprehensive findings on the long-term effects of the bill’s changes. This evidence-based approach allows the policy to evolve over time, ensuring it remains beneficial and responsive to actual outcomes. Scheduled for release by December 31, 2030, the report allows adequate time for trend evaluation.
The Assembly Committee on Communications and Conveyance reviews legislation related to digital infrastructure and transportation platforms across California. Its role in shaping SB 371 demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that public-facing technologies operate efficiently, affordably, and transparently.
