HB 611 – Amending Rules of Evidence

Primary Sponsors: Rep. Sarah Stevens (R-Surry), Rep. Ted David (R-New Hanover), Rep. Lee Zachary (R-Forsyth)

Bill Summary

This bill would amend the rules of evidence regarding insurance admissibility to allow for binding arbitration in certain civil actions.

The bill states that nothing in this rule shall be used to infer that the term insurance including health insurance, disability insurance, or other forms os insurance shall be barred by this rule, with the exception of parties introducing evidence of any payments made by insurance under the collateral source rule.

The bill states that any named party to action may elect binding arbitration when all of the following conditions exist:

  • Admission of negligence by all named defendants to the action signed by all named parties
  • An express limitation by the named party with the burden of proof on damages associated with the action that all damages shall not exceed the amount set forth for district court division.

The bill states that binding arbitration under this section extinguishes the rights of the named plaintiffs to any recovery beyond the insurance coverage limits pertinent to the action.

Bill Movement

This bill was filed on April 4, 2019.

This bill has been referred to the following House Committees:

  • Judiciary – Committee Substitute passed on April 26, 2019
  • Rules

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