Georgia Mennonite Community May Be Able to Self-Insure

A small community of Mennonites in south Georgia is close to winning the right to insure itself rather than using auto plans required by the state.

A bill allowing the 100-member community to self-insure rather than buy car insurance — which is considered gambling in their religion — passed the Georgia Senate on Wednesday. The bill passed 40-5, after passing the House in March.

It’s now headed to the governor’s desk.

The branch of the Eastern Pennsylvania Mennonite Church settled in the small town of Metter near Savannah in 1992. Some members have bought insurance policies to comply with state law, but pay for damages out of their own pockets because they aren’t supposed to have insurance.

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On the Net:

HB656: http://www.legis.state.ga.us