Judiciary panel advances bill requiring proof of insurance, raising penalties for repeat uninsured drivers

Representative Brandon Hicks, sponsor of House Bill 1690, told the House Judiciary Committee that the measure is aimed at making drivers who use Tennessee roads accountable for the costs they cause. "If you drive on Tennessee roads, you should be financially responsible for the damages you cause," Hicks said, outlining four parts of the bill: proof of financial responsibility before registration or renewal, higher penalties for repeat offenders, a modernized verification system, and a cap on non-economic damages.

Hicks said the bill would preserve full economic damages for passengers while capping non-economic damages at $375,000 for a driver who chooses to operate uninsured — down from $750,000 under current law. He also told members the bill builds in enforcement time: a roughly 60-day window before the first fine is issued so someone with a temporary lapse can regain coverage.

Vice Chair Davis supported the proposal and described it as a way to curb gaming of the system by drivers who briefly obtain insurance to register a vehicle and then cancel it. "This puts some teeth into that to ensure they keep that insurance all the time," Davis said.

Chairman Doggett asked whether the usual commercial-insurance grace periods would be affected; Hicks replied that the bill allows a substantially larger post-lapse remedy — about 60 days before fines start — rather than undercutting the intended enforcement.

The committee voted to refer HB 1690 to the Finance, Ways and Means Committee; the clerk reported 15 ayes and 3 no votes. The referral marks the next procedural step and does not itself change the bill’s text.

Supporters said the bill aims to protect responsible families who carry insurance; critics raised concerns about the effect of damage caps on injured parties and whether the verification changes would be administratively feasible. The bill’s sponsor said further work may follow as the measure moves through Financial committees.