SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6114

                    As of January 11, 2000

Title:  An act relating to the insurance commissioner.

Brief Description:  Authorizing the governor to appoint the insurance commissioner.

Sponsors:  Senators Deccio, West, T. Sheldon, Rossi, Heavey, Hargrove, Haugen, Rasmussen, Winsley, McCaslin, Honeyford and Horn.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  State & Local Government:  1/20/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Staff:  Eugene Green (786-7405)

Background:  The Office of Insurance Commissioner is a statutory elective partisan office with a term of four years.

The Insurance Commissioner has authority expressly conferred upon him or her by or reasonably implied from the insurance code.  The commissioner may:  (1) make reasonable rules and regulations for effectuating any provision of the insurance code; (2) conduct investigations to determine whether any person has violated any provision of the code; and (3) conduct investigations, examinations, and hearings.  The Insurance Commissioner may prosecute an action to enforce any orders made by him or her pursuant to any provision of the insurance code.

Summary of Bill:  The Insurance Commissioner is no longer elected.  The commissioner is appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Senate.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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