It is desirable for the general welfare and in particular for the welfare of insurance beneficiaries, policyholders, claimants, subscribers, and others that the business of domestic insurers be continued notwithstanding the event of a local, state, or national emergency. The purpose of this section, RCW 48.07.170 through 48.07.200, and 48.07.203 is to facilitate the continued operation of domestic insurers in the event that a local, state, or national emergency is so disruptive of normal business and commerce as to make it impossible or impracticable for a domestic insurer to conduct its business in accord with applicable provisions of law, its bylaws, or its charter. When used in this section, RCW 48.07.170 through 48.07.200, and 48.07.203 the word "insurer" means the same as defined in RCW 48.01.053 [ 48.01.050].

Effective date—2009 c 150: "This act takes effect January 1, 2011." [ 2009 c 150 § 8.]