SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5213

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of January 19, 2011

Title: An act relating to insurance.

Brief Description: Addressing insurance statutes, generally.

Sponsors: Senators Litzow and Hobbs; by request of Insurance Commissioner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance: 1/19/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, HOUSING & INSURANCE

Staff: Edward Redmond (786-7471)

Background: The Office of Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is authorized to regulate all insurance business in Washington, including certification of various types of insurers, approval of rate and form contracts, licensing of agents and brokers, collection of premium taxes, and responding to consumer complaints.

The Revised Code of Washington is periodically updated and clarified by the various state agencies responsible for its implementation. This clean-up process eliminates obsolete language, makes minor substantive or technical changes, and repeals outdated sections. This is the OIC's clean-up bill.

Summary of Bill: Numerous provisions of the insurance code are modernized and clarified. Outdated sections are repealed, internal cross-references are corrected, and minor substantive or technical changes are made, as follows:

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.