Louisiana Surplus Lines Association Eyes Exemption Bill

One of the major bills of interest to the surplus lines industry in Louisiana during the current legilative session would clarify the exemption from rate and form filing for providers of excess and surplus insurance in that state. The session began March 29.

House Bill 285, authored by J. Kevin Pearson, a Republican from Slidell, would exempt surplus lines insurance delivered by approved unauthorized insurers from laws regarding form and rate filing approval.

David Tatman, representing the Louisiana Surplus Lines Association, said the bill would be heard in the House Insurance Committee on April 14.

In an e-mailed message, Tatman said most bills had been filed for the session, but that lawmakers could still file a limited number of measures before April 20.

Other measures being watched by the LSLA include:

• HB 44 – Requires insurers to include certain information relative to refund of certain assessments levied by the La. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation with policies sent to insureds.
• HB 203 – Provides for return of deposit upon withdrawal of a foreign or alien insurer.
• HB 463 – Provides for technical recodification of certain provisions of the La. Insurance Code relative to general insurance policy requirements.
• HB 465 – Provides for technical recodification of certain provisions of the La. Insurance Code relative to property insurance.
• HB 932 – Prohibits a policyholder under a motor vehicle liability policy from permitting any person excluded from coverage to drive the covered vehicle.
• HB 1147 – Prohibits a policyholder from allowing any person excluded from liability coverage to drive the covered vehicle.
• HB 1148 – Prohibits the exclusion of any person from coverage under a motor vehicle liability policy.
• SB 113 – Repeals the requirement of filing policies and applications by foreign and alien insurers when applying for a certificate of authority.
• SB 116 – Provide for biannual renewal of surplus lines broker license, commissions and continuing education hours.
• SB 133 – Provides for actuarial opinions relative to property and casualty insurance companies.
• SB 135 – Require insurance carriers to provide utilization data within fourteen business days after a written request is received.
• SB 138 – Provides that approved unauthorized insurers delivering surplus lines insurance in this state shall not be required to file or seek approval of their rates and forms.
• SB 150 – Provides relative to automobile insurance rates after a voluntary lapse in coverage occurs.
• SB 246 – Removes ten percent penalty on early cancellation of insurance policies.
• SB 265 – Provides for financial and market analysis of insurers and regulated entities by the commissioner of insurance.
• SB 669 – Provides for biannual renewal of surplus lines broker license, commissions and continuing education hours.

Source: The Tatman Group