After a round of legislative fine tuning, the General Assembly this week approved a measure introduced by state Sen.

Don White, R-41st, that would change the way payments to insolvent insurance companies are handled by the state.

The bill is now headed to Gov. Ed Rendell for his expected signature and enactment into law.

"The concept behind the bill is not particularly complicated. All it does is clarify that under our insurance liquidation laws, any deductibles connected to an insurance policy go to claims under that policy, not to the estate of the insurer," White said.

The legislation could save businesses around $40 million in workers compensation and other insurance premium costs, a move that could protect jobs and save costs to consumers.

"This legislation will produce savings for businesses, medical providers and homeowners here and across the country. Once this legislation is enacted, Guaranty Associations here and across the country will have to assess less money on insurance policyholders," White said.

White drafted the measure in response to the insolvency of the Reliance Insurance Co., which faces an estimated $3 billion shortfall in assets versus policyholder claims. Because Reliance was in Pennsylvania, the Department of Insurance is serving as liquidator.

State Rep. Frank LaGrotta, D-10th, applauded the House Consumer Affairs Committee for approving legislation to ensure consumer awareness of the risks associated with tanning salons, including provisions that provide specifically for the safety of young salon-goers.LaGrotta, the second-ranking Democrat on the Consumer Affairs Committee and a leading proponent of the legislation, said the bill had been under review by the committee since February."People, especially teenagers, often assume that tanning devices don't carry with them the same risks as sun exposure," LaGrotta said. "I want to make certain that Pennsylvanians are well aware of the dangers of chronic or improper use of tanning devices."The measure would require tanning salon operators to register with the state Department of Health and report any consumer injuries at their facilities to the department.Salons would also have to provide customers with written warnings regarding skin cancer, burns and other risks as well as posting a warning sign next to tanning devices.LaGrotta touted the provisions of the bill pertaining to children and young adults, which would require anyone under 14to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at a tanning salon.Additionally, anyone between 14 and 18 would be required to have a letter from a parent or guardian stating they are aware of the risks and permit their child to use the salon's facilities.All salon-goers, regardless of age, would also have to sign a written agreement attesting to their understanding of tanning risks and to use protective eyewear as provided by the salon.Salons that do not adhere to the guidelines would be subject to penalties.