2972 AMS HEA SEIB 001

HB 2972 - S COMM AMD

   By    By Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

ADOPTED 3/2/2006

   On page 10, after line 35 insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. No policy or contract may be solicited, or contribution collected under this act until a federal opinion is received by the insurance commissioner indicating whether the purchasing pools referenced in sections 2, 4, and 6 of this act are legal. The commissioner shall request such an opinion from the federal departments of labor, treasury, health and human services, or other appropriate federal agencies no later than August 1, 2006. Upon receipt, the commissioner shall forward the opinion to the legislature, and within 30 days, provide the legislature with a report assessing the legality and potential impact of these purchasing pools on the uninsured and insurance markets in Washington state."

HB 2972 - S COMM AMD

   By    By Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

   On page 1, line 3, after "48.44 RCW;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 48.46 RCW; and creating a new section."

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EFFECT: Requires the insurance commissioner to request and receive a federal opinion as to the legality of the purchasing pools authorized under the act before any other actions under the act may be taken.