Proposed Rules and Public Comment
Proposed Rule Filings
None at present.
Public Comments, Input and Insights Solicited by DFR
Notice of Consumer Event and Public Comment Period • Auto Body Repair Insurance Issues
Public Comment Period: October 1 - November 1, 2024 | Public Event: October 15, 2024
Study of Labor Rates, Use of Aftermarket Parts, Market Conditions and Other Business Practices of Automobile Insurance Companies
The Department of Financial Regulation seeks input from consumers regarding their experiences and concerns related to autobody repair issues and insurance companies.
Background
Act 32 of 2023 requires the Department to solicit feedback as part of a study and report to the General Assembly regarding a number of business practices in Vermont related to automobile insurance and autobody repairs. DFR welcomes any public comments from consumers on these issues. Our study is examining several topics that include use of aftermarket parts in repairs, appraisal practices, labor rate reimbursement paid to autobody shops, sufficiency of consumer disclosures in automobile insurance contracts, the use of direct repair programs and other consumer concerns related to insurance coverage for automobile repairs.
In-Person and Online Consumer Event
To inform the study, DFR is hosting a hybrid public event to hear from consumers regarding auto repair insurance issues. Citizens are invited to participate in-person or remotely and offer their perspectives and input.
Tuesday, October 15
4 – 5pm
City Center • 89 Main Street • Montpelier, VT
(third-floor conference space of the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation - OPR)
Signage will be placed at City Center to guide in-person attendees from the entrance to OPR’s third-floor offices.
Microsoft Teams Online Meeting
Join remotely via this link with the following information:
- Meeting ID: 233 332 654 170
- Passcode: KSAgjf
- Call-In Number: 802-828-7228
- Phone Conference ID: 649844588#
Written Comments
Members of the public and interested parties are invited as well to file written comments and make recommendations related to DFR’s study during the comment period that ends November 1, 2024.
Submit written comments before close of business on November 1, 2024, by U.S.P.S. mail or email to DFR Director of Insurance Regulations Mary Block. Please use “Auto Body Repair Insurance Study” in the subject line of email and/or letter.
Email: mary.block@vermont.gov
USPS Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier:
Department of Financial Regulation
Comment Intake – Auto Body Repair Insurance Study
Attention: Mary Block
89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-3101
Subject Line: Please use “Auto Body Repair Insurance Study” in the subject line of email and/or letter.
Important Instructions to Note
The Department of Financial Regulation encourages the early submission of comments. All submissions must include the subject line: Auto Body Repair Insurance Study. The Department reserves the right to publish or share all submissions or the contents thereof, in whole or in part. All submissions, including attachments and other supporting materials, will become subject to public disclosure. Proprietary information or sensitive personal information, such as account numbers, Social Security Numbers, or names of customers should not be included. Submissions will not be edited to remove any identifying or contact information of the commenter.
If further information is needed, please contact DFR Director of Insurance Regulations Mary Block by email. Download and print a copy of this announcement to share.
Notice of Public Comment Period: September 17 - October 17, 2024 • Enhancing Virtual Currency Kiosk Regulatory Oversight to Reduce Their Use in Illicit Activities
Virtual Currency Kiosks Report 8 V.S.A. § 2577(G)
The Department of Financial Regulation seeks input from individuals, businesses, nonprofits and others specifically regarding their concerns, interests, insights and experiences with virtual currency kiosks.
Background
On or before January 15, 2025, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation is required to report to the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development and the Senate Committee on Finance on whether the requirements of 8 V.S.A. § 2577(g) regarding virtual currency kiosks, coupled with relevant federal requirements, are sufficient to protect customers in Vermont from fraudulent activity.
If deemed necessary and appropriate by the Commissioner, 8 V.S.A. § 2577(g) provides that the Commissioner may make recommendations for additional statutory or regulatory safeguards. In addition, 8 V.S.A. § 2577(g) requires the Commissioner to make recommendations for enhanced oversight and monitoring of virtual-currency kiosks for the purpose of minimizing their use for illicit activities as described in the U.S. Government Accountability Office report on virtual currencies, GAO-22-105462, dated December 2021.
Written Comments
Members of the public and interested others are invited to file written comments and make recommendations for enhanced oversight of virtual currency kiosks with the Department of Financial Regulation during the comment period that ends on October 17, 2024.
Submit written comments before close of business on October 17 by U.S.P.S. mail or email to DFR Director of Regulatory and Consumer Affairs Kelley Reed.
All comments must include this subject line: “8 V.S.A. § 2577(g) - VC Kiosks Comments” in the email or letter.
Email: Kelley.Reed@vermont.gov
USPS Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier:
Department of Financial Regulation
Comment Intake - 8 V.S.A. § 2577(g) - VC Kiosks
Attention: DFR Director Kelley Reed
89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-3101
Important Instructions
The Department of Financial Regulation encourages the early submission of comments. All submissions must include the subject line: 8 V.S.A. § 2577(g) - VC Kiosks Comments. The Department reserves the right to publish or share all submissions or the contents thereof, in whole or in part. All submissions, including attachments and other supporting materials, will become subject to public disclosure. Proprietary information or sensitive personal information, such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, or names of customers should not be included. Submissions will not be edited to remove any identifying or contact information of the commenter.
If further information is needed, please contact DFR Regulatory and Consumer Affairs Director Kelley M. Reed by email or phone 802-828-0526.
Download and print this notice.