Pennsylvania State Representative Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) has introduced legislation that, if enacted into law, would limit life insurance payouts of individuals who die committing acts of terrorism.
The proposal also calls for a portion of the terrorist's life insurance benefits to be redirected to victims.
"I don't believe you deserve to keep your life insurance benefits if you intentionally steal the lives of innocent Americans," Representative Bernstine said in a statement. "We shouldn't allow terrorism to be rewarded."
The bill would allow insurance companies to limit payouts to beneficiaries named on life insurance policies to only the amount of premium paid if the insured died while committing an act of terrorism.
Additionally, the proposal would direct a portion of the proceeds from the terrorist's life insurance policy to the Pennsylvania Victims Compensation Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to crime victims and their families.
"Currently, a terrorist can take out a large life insurance policy during the planning process of their horrific crimes to benefit their heirs or their families," Representative Bernstine said. "To me, it's a no-brainer that victims and their families are the ones who should be getting that money."
Learn more: House Bill 1996.
Steven A. Meyerowitz
Steven A. Meyerowitz, a Harvard Law School graduate, is the founder and president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. He may be contacted at [email protected].