LAWMAKERS TO REVIVE AUTO INSURANCE FRAUD BILLS.(BUSINESS)

Byline: Associated Press

ALBANY -- State Senate Republicans reintroduced a package of bills Wednesday designed to combat auto insurance fraud, and accused Assembly Democrats of contributing to rising rates by failing to pass their proposals last year.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno designated anti-fraud legislation a top priority for the Senate this session -- something he also did last year.

So what's new?

``2003 is a brand new year,'' he said. ``It's a brand new beginning, we're prioritizing in January. We're ready.''

Assembly Democrats, who passed bills similar to the Republican package last year, responded by blaming …