Subject of Possible Rule Making: Establishing requirements for authority for an agent to represent an insurer prior to notifying the commissioner of appointment.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 48.02.060 (3)(a) and 48.17.150 [(1)](g)(ii).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The legislature enacted section 7, chapter 223, Laws of 2005, to allow an agent to act as a representative of and place insurance with an insurer without first notifying the commissioner of the appointment for a period of time while the agent's appointment is being processed.

     The commissioner was given the authority to adopt rules to implement the new law. The commissioner will consider all implementation aspects of the new law, including rules to establish requirements in addition to or in lieu of existing regulations.

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

     Process for Developing New Rule: Submit written comments by December 12, 2005.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Kacy Scott, P.O. Box 40255, Olympia, WA 98504-0255, fax (360) 586-3109, e-mail KacyS@oic.wa.gov.

November 2, 2005

Mike Kreidler

Insurance Commissioner