SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5007

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires surplus line brokers to obtain an insurance producer license.
Allows surplus line brokers moving to Washington up to 90 days to apply for a license without having to take the state exam.

Background: If insurance coverage cannot be purchased from an authorized insurer, a person may purchase coverage through a surplus line. Surplus line policies cover risks that do not fit normal underwriting patterns or standard insurance policies. Examples of surplus line insurance include insuring homes built on the side of a steep bank, rare art, or businesses that pose a high liability risk. Surplus line coverage may be purchased from an unauthorized insurer, only if the purchaser buys the insurance through a licensed surplus line broker.

A Washington resident may apply to the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) to obtain a surplus line broker license. An applicant for a resident surplus line broker license must furnish specified information to the OIC, including a criminal history background and fingerprints. An applicant for a resident surplus line broker license is not required to maintain a license as a resident insurance producer with property and casualty lines of authority.

For nonresidents, the OIC may license a person as a surplus line broker if the person is qualified and the person's resident state reciprocates by issuing licenses to residents of this state on a similar basis. To be eligible for a nonresident surplus line broker license, a nonresident person must generally meet the same qualifications as a resident applicant for a surplus line broker license. However, the nonresident person is not required to submit fingerprints with the license application for a background check.

Summary of Bill: An applicant for a resident surplus line broker license must have and maintain a license from the OIC as a resident insurance producer with property and casualty lines of authority. Each applicant for a resident surplus line broker license must pass the required examination and pay the required fee when applying for a license.

If a nonresident licensed as a resident surplus line broker in another state moves to this state and seeks licensure as a resident surplus line broker in this state, then the examination requirement is waived if the application is received by the OIC within 90 days of the cancellation of the surplus line broker's resident license in the other state. The exception for nonresidents seeking licensure to not submit fingerprints is removed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The changes proposed in the bill contain uniform and reciprocal standards adopted by national organizations and a model act, which will better align regulations with other states and improve reciprocal agreements. The bill requires a resident surplus line broker to have a producer license, and puts into statute an educational requirement that is required by rule. Non-resident surplus line brokers who are relocating to Washington are exempt from exam requirements if they apply for their license with 90 days. Non-resident surplus line brokers may be licensed in Washington if their state reciprocates licenses on the same basis to Washington licensees.