SENATE BACKS LIABILITY FOR STATIONS:

To ensure that vehicle inspection stations have the level of liability coverage for any damage sustained to a vehicle while under the control of the inspection facility, Sen. Daniel Da Ponte (D), is sponsoring legislation requiring inspection stations to maintain a minimum of $25,000 liability coverage, and to have a copy of that policy on the premises.

The bill, (2005 – S0951A), was approved unanimously by the Rhode Island Senate and has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“This is a consumer protection bill,” said Da Ponte. “Stations need to carry liability coverage that is consistent with the potential for damage, and $25,000 is a fair and appropriate number, especially considering the value of many of today’s vehicles.”

The Da Ponte legislation is a companion bill to one sponsored in the House of Representatives by Rep. William San Bento Jr. (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket, North Providence). That bill, (2005 – H5359aa) , was approved this week by the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It is currently before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Housing and Municipal Government.