WSR 98-05-102

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE

[Insurance Commissioner Matter No. R 98-4--Filed February 18, 1998, 11:20 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Updating the regulatory scheme of chapter 284-24 WAC.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060, 48.19.020, 48.19.080, 48.19.370.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Several sections of chapter 284-24 WAC were identified in the Insurance Commissioner's regulatory improvement review as rules that may need to be revised and updated. The commissioner will consider methods, including reorganization of the rules in chapter 284-24 WAC, to increase the effectiveness of the rules and to simplify the compliance and enforcement processes. One area that will be considered is the use of transmittal forms in rate filings. Additionally, as a part of this update of chapter 284-24 WAC, the commissioner will consider rules regarding the effect of the postal zip code changes in insurers' rates.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study; and written comments may be submitted by March 20, 1998, to Kacy Brandeberry, P.O. Box 40256, Olympia, WA 98504-0256, e-mail inscomr@aol.com, FAX (360) 407-0351.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kacy Brandeberry, P.O. Box 40256, Olympia, WA 98504-0256, phone (360) 407-0729, FAX (360) 407-0351, Internet KacyB@oic.wa.gov.

February 18, 1998

Greg J. Scully