BOSTON -- State lawmakers will begin debating a plan Monday to introduce competition into Massachusetts' auto insurance industry.

NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that a public hearing is scheduled before state senators at 11 a.m. and the state's insurance commissioner is expected to testify.

Discuss

The commissioner has said she wants to partially deregulate the state's auto insurance industry. Massachusetts is the only state where regulators set the auto insurance rates. Under the new proposal, the state would still have strong regulatory control, but more competition would be allowed.

Insurance companies would still need rate approval from the state.

There is some concern about excessive rates in some areas where discriminatory practices are said to be carried out, with premiums based on a customer's education or occupation.

If approved, the new insurance rates would be implemented on April 1, 2008 and they would not need legislative approval.