S-781                 _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 3903

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              49th Legislature                              1985 Regular Session

By Senators Talmadge, Moore, Lee, Bender and Williams

Read first time 2/8/85 and referred to Committee on Financial Institutions.

AN ACT Relating to discrimination on the basis of sex or marital status in the business of insurance; adding a new section to chapter 48.30 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 48.30 RCW to read as follows:

          After July 1, 1986, a person engaged in the business of insurance shall not discriminate solely on the basis of sex or marital status in the issuance or operation of any type of insurance policy, plan, or coverage, including discrimination in rates and premiums or payments or benefits.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     The insurance commissioner shall conduct a study to determine if any provision of Title 48 RCW violates or is inconsistent with section 1 of this act.  The commissioner shall submit the study and a draft of proposed legislation to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate by September 1, 1985.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     The insurance commissioner shall promulgate rules, effective July 1, 1986, consistent with section 1 of this act.