Concerns raised over oversight gaps and risk to third parties
Maine lawmakers have again declined a bill that would have allowed certain religious organizations to self-insure motor vehicles owned by the group and its members.
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Steven Foster (R-Dexter), was intended to accommodate groups such as the Mennonite church, whose members avoid traditional auto insurance based on religious beliefs.
Supporters of the proposal argued that existing state requirements mandating automobile coverage conflict with the practices of some religious communities. Foster said members of the Mennonite church first raised the issue with him in 2019, prompting his initial attempt to pass a version of the bill. He has since reintroduced it multiple times, citing growing inte