SENATE BILL REPORT
ESB 6591


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 Passed Senate, February 19, 2008

Title: An act relating to insurance producers.

Brief Description: Regulating insurance producers.

Sponsors: Senators Benton and Berkey; by request of Insurance Commissioner.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Financial Institutions & Insurance: 1/23/08, 1/29/08 [DP].

Passed Senate: 2/19/08, 49-0.


SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Berkey, Chair; Hobbs, Vice Chair; Benton, Franklin, Parlette, Prentice and Schoesler.

Staff: Diane Smith (786-7410)

Background: Major legislation was enacted last year that, among other effects, changed the terms, "agent", "broker", and "solicitor" to the term, "producer." Many instances of the use of these now obsolete terms occur throughout the code.

Summary of Engrossed Bill: Statutory references to the terms, "agent", "broker", and "solicitor", are changed to the term, "producer."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2009.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: There are no substantive policy changes. This bill is a true follow-up to last year's legislation.

Persons Testifying: PRO: John Hamje, Office of the Insurance Commissioner; Bill Stauffacher, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers.