Committee approves requiring proof of insurance at registration, caps some damages

Senator Powers asked for a favorable vote on Senate Bill 1667, telling the Transportation and Safety Committee that "if you drive on Tennessee roads, you should be financially responsible for the damage you cause." He said the bill requires proof of financial responsibility before a vehicle can be registered or renewed, raises penalties for repeat uninsured drivers, monetizes the state's insurance‑verification system to find noncompliance, and places caps on some non‑economic damages in court while preserving economic damages and protections for passengers.

"Right now, too many uninsured drivers are putting responsible families at risk," Powers said, arguing that current penalties are too low and create an incentive to remain uninsured. He said the measure is intended to protect insured drivers, small businesses and single parents who currently pick up much of the cost when uninsured motorists cause accidents.

Committee members asked no substantive questions about the amendment. After the clerk called the roll, the committee recorded unanimous support. The committee chair announced the bill "passes and goes to Finance, Ways and Means." The formal action before the committee was to move the bill and adopt the offered amendment; that motion carried.

The bill now moves to the Finance and Ways and Means Committee for further consideration; no further committee votes were recorded at this meeting.