ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Senate on Thursday passed a commerce omnibus policy bill that includes provisions to help consumers.

In a press release, Sen. Gary Dahms, R-Redwood Falls, claims the protections benefiting seniors, delaying expensive changes to Medigap plans, and simplifying survivorship issues, the good sections in this bill outweigh the troublesome concerns.

 “While not perfect, this legislation includes many provisions to help consumers with challenges they face in their daily lives,” Dahms said.

He is the Republican lead of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee.

“By listening to stakeholder feedback and working to find common ground, the end product reflects legislation supported by both parties. I appreciate the process in which this bill came together,” Dahms said.

 The legislation includes provision introduced by Dahms focused on township municipal fire insurance.

This type of insurance is restricted to operating in no more than 20 counties. The omnibus bill allows these companies that merge to provide coverage in up to 30 counties, without automatically dropping consumers due to hitting the county cap. This keeps the insurance accessible to more Minnesotans.

 Additionally, the commerce omnibus policy bill includes language introduced by Dahms to make it easier for those at risk of losing insurance to get coverage through an out-of-state plan called a “surplus line.”

Right now, a person must be denied several times before they can get covered via surplus lines, according to Dahms. The change makes a referral to a surplus line the only requirement, saving consumers time and money.

 “Access to affordable and reliable insurance is one of the most important missions within the commerce bill,” Dahms said. “These two provisions will help more Minnesotans maintain access to insurance for when crises hit their homes, farms, and businesses.”

 Another significant proposal included in this legislation is a provision to make it easier for people dealing with Transfer of Death Deeds (TODD), according to Dahms. The TODD changes help families that made merely technical errors on legal forms protect their homes and ensure continuity of insurance on the property.

 “Several sections of this bill overreach or require further refinement to effectively serve Minnesotans,” he said. “While the effort to simplify terminating a contract is commendable, the bill’s language burdens businesses with difficult compliance, ultimately denying both businesses and consumers the promised advantages.”