Chinese drywall bill advances

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) - The Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor voted late Monday afternoon to send a proposed bill protecting Chinese Drywall victims to the full Senate for a vote. The proposed bill would make it illegal for insurance companies of Chinese Drywall victims to cancel, refuse to renew, or increase rates on a policy on a home solely because the home was built using defective drywall.

WAVY.com started investigating Chinese drywall in March 2009 and uncovered dozens of victims in Hampton Roads. 18 of those homeowners went to Richmond Monday to plead their case.

Those homeowners stood lined in support next to Senator John Miller as he explained to the Senate Committee on Commerce and Labor why he believes his proposed bill should take the next step forward for approval.

"The best estimates are that 350 homes in 48 communities in the Commonwealth have been found to have Chinese Drywall, many of them in Newport News and on the Peninsula," says Senator Miller.

Several local victims explained to the committee how the toxic drywall destroyed their homes and lives.

"Our family is suffering. We've had to leave our home. We're facing bankruptcy," says one homeowner.

Another homeowner brought a piece of the drywall, double bagged, to the hearing.

"You can actually smell it through the double bags," she said.

The big concern in homes affected by the toxic drywall, other than health, the actions of insurance companies.

"There have been in some states instances where people have been dropped from their insurance. I want to make sure that doesn't happen in Virginia," says Miller.

Insurance company representatives were at the meeting voicing their concerns over the bill .

"This is something that is certainly going to need more and additional study," says Bob Bradshaw of the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia.

However, the committee didn't agree and a quick decision pushed the proposal onto it's next step. That step is a vote by the full senate to approve the bill .

"I feel like we made a baby step forward, but we have a lot more baby steps forward to go," says Eric Bailey of Newport News.

Before voting to approve or deny the bill , the Senate will have the opportunity to discuss possible changes or amendments to the proposal.