WSR 25-15-140
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
OFFICE OF THE
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
[Insurance Commissioner Matter R 2025-08—Filed July 22, 2025, 12:04 p.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Clarifying and updating rules concerning when title insurers are permitted to conduct or sponsor educational programs.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: RCW
48.29.210(2) prohibits title insurers from giving anything of value to any person in a position to refer or influence the referral of title insurance business. Certain exceptions to this prohibition are specified in rule, including conducting or sponsoring educational programs.
Current rules concerning title insurers conducting or sponsoring educational programs are ambiguous. The office of the insurance commissioner has received several inquiries from title insurers as to what activities are permitted under the current rules. This rule making is necessary to clarify permitted activities such that title insurers and other interested parties understand their rights and obligations under the law.
Process for Developing New Rule: Submit comments by August 20, 2025.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Rules Coordinator, 302 Sid Snyder Avenue S.W., Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-725-7171, fax 360-586-3109, TTY 360-586-0241, email rulescoordinator@oic.wa.gov, website www.insurance.wa.gov.
July 22, 2025
Patty Kuderer
Insurance Commissioner