But a leading Democrat admitted that approval in the Republican-controlled Senate is doubtful until perhaps this year's lame-duck session.
"You never know what's going to happen then," said Rep. Virgil Smith III, D-Detroit, chairman of the House Insurance Committee. Democrats hold the majority in the House.
Smith said that on Thursday his committee will consider five bills aimed at reducing insurance. He said public pressure is mounting to do something about high auto insurance rates, particularly in urban areas like Detroit.
He said auto insurance should be based on driving records only. Rep. Bettie Scott, D-Detroit, said the proposed bills would give drivers help against high rates.
A coalition of attorneys, health care specialists and consumer advocates joined Smith and Scott at a news conference as they called for curbs on insurance rates.
But an industry spokesman said the Democratic proposals would result in higher rates for many consumers. One bill would change the way insurance companies file rates.
Currently, they set rates and then file them with the insurance commissioner.The Democratic plan would require insurance companies to receive the commissioner's approval before rates take effect.
Legislation also would prohibit insurance companies from charging extra to reinstate policies that have expired or been terminated.
Rep. Tim Melton, D-Auburn Hills, said using credit scores to set premiums hurts people whose credit ratings have been damaged by identity theft, including his mother.
Peter Kuhnmuench of the Insurance Institute of Michigan said people with bad credit are more likely to file claims.