LANSING, Mich. – Four public hearings across the state have been set to discuss the proposed rules to ban the use of credit scoring in setting automobile and home insurance rates. "I proposed these rules because I believe that using credit scores to determine insurance rates is unfair and does not conform with the requirements of the Essential Insurance Act," said Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) Commissioner Linda A. Watters. "These public hearings will give citizens an opportunity to voice their opinions on the issue. I am eager to hear what people from across Michigan have to say." The proposed ban on the use of credit scoring in setting insurance rates is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2005. OFIS has estimated that insurers will be required to roll back base rates between 10% and 45% when the proposed rules take effect. The dates, times, and locations of the public hearings are as follows: July 19, 1 p.m. Forum, Ground Floor Michigan Library and Historical Center 702 West Kalamazoo Lansing July 21, 1 p.m. Grand Rapids Commission Chambers 300 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids July 26, 1 p.m. Cadillac Place, Room L500 3044 West Grand Blvd. Detroit July 28, 1 p.m. City Hall, Third Floor Council Chambers 1101 South Saginaw Flint