SENATE BILL REPORT
ESB 5042
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, March 1, 2017
Title: An act relating to authorizing funeral planning and funeral services as noninsurance benefits under group life and disability insurance policies.
Brief Description: Authorizing funeral planning and funeral services as noninsurance benefits under group life and disability insurance policies.
Sponsors: Senators Angel, Hobbs and Wellman.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Financial Institutions & Insurance: 1/19/17, 1/19/17 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed Senate: 3/01/17, 49-0.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Angel, Chair; Mullet, Ranking Minority Member; Fain, Hobbs and Kuderer.
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7428)
Background: The Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) regulates insurance providers in Washington, including individual and group life insurers and disability insurers. A life insurer or disability insurer may include certain noninsurance benefits as part of a policy including will preparation, financial and estate planning, probate and estate settlement, grief counseling, and other services identified by the Commissioner. Group life insurance refers to a policy that insures the lives of more than one individual as part of a specified group allowed by statute. Disability insurance refers to a policy that pays benefits if the insured becomes partially or fully disabled and unable to work.
Summary of Engrossed Bill: Funeral planning and funeral services are added to the benefits a life insurer or disability insurer may include as part of a policy, with the prior approval of the OIC.
An insurer must disclosure that funeral planning and funeral services do not constitute an insurance funded prearrangement contract.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: PRO: Dealing with an untimely death can be a very stressful and emotional issue; it is a time when a person needs help. The bill would allow for insurers to offer coverage for funeral planning and services, making this a good optional benefit to offer to customers.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Angel, Prime Sponsor; Steve Buckner, Metlife.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.