BILL REQ. #:  S-0544.1 

Read first time 01/15/09.   Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance.

     AN ACT Relating to noninsurance benefits included in life insurance policies; adding a new section to chapter 48.23 RCW; and adding a new section to chapter 48.24 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 48.23 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A life insurer may include the following noninsurance benefits as part of a policy of individual life insurance, with the prior approval of the commissioner:
     (a) Will preparation services;
     (b) Financial planning and estate planning services;
     (c) Probate and estate settlement services; and
     (d) Such other services as the commissioner may identify by rule.
     (2) The commissioner may adopt rules to ensure disclosure of the noninsurance benefits permitted under this section, including but not limited to guidelines concerning the provision of the coverage.
     (3) Those providing the services listed in subsection (1) of this section must be appropriately licensed.
     (4) This section does not require the commissioner to approve any particular proposed noninsurance benefit. The commissioner may disapprove any proposed noninsurance benefit that the commissioner determines may tend to promote or facilitate the violation of any other section of this title.
     (5) This section does not expand, limit, or otherwise affect the authority and ethical obligations of those who are authorized by the state supreme court to practice law in this state. This section does not limit the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law under chapter 2.48 RCW.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 48.24 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) A life insurer may include the following noninsurance benefits as part of a policy or certificate of group life insurance, with the prior approval of the commissioner:
     (a) Will preparation services;
     (b) Financial planning and estate planning services;
     (c) Probate and estate settlement services; and
     (d) Such other services as the commissioner may identify by rule.
     (2) The commissioner may adopt rules to regulate the disclosure of noninsurance benefits permitted under this section, including but not limited to guidelines regarding the coverage provided under the policy or certificate of insurance.
     (3) Those providing the services listed in subsection (1) of this section must be appropriately licensed.
     (4) This section does not require the commissioner to approve any particular proposed noninsurance benefit. The commissioner may disapprove any proposed noninsurance benefit that the commissioner determines may tend to promote or facilitate the violation of any other section of this title.
     (5) This section does not expand, limit, or otherwise affect the authority and ethical obligations of those who are authorized by the state supreme court to practice law in this state. This section does not limit the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law under chapter 2.48 RCW.