Connecticut House Bill HB06771

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/11/15
• Refer: 2/11/15
• Report Pass: 3/5/15
• Refer: 3/16/15
• Report Pass: 3/23/15
• Engrossed: 4/22/15
• Report Pass: 4/24/15
• Chaptered: 6/15/15
• Enrolled: 6/18/15
• Passed: 7/2/15

Caption

An Act Authorizing Nonadmitted Insurers To Open An Office In This State.

Impact

By permitting nonadmitted insurers to operate from within the state, HB 6771 is expected to enhance the competitive landscape in the insurance sector. This legislative change could lead to an increase in the availability of surplus lines insurance, catering to markets that standard insurers may not adequately serve. Supporters of the bill argue that this will lead to greater consumer choice and potentially lower premiums in the state as more companies enter the market and compete for business.

Summary

House Bill 6771, also known as An Act Authorizing Nonadmitted Insurers To Open An Office In This State, aims to amend existing statutes concerning nonadmitted insurance providers. Specifically, it updates Section 38a-271 of the general statutes to allow nonadmitted insurers to establish offices in the state for lawful transactions of surplus lines insurance. This legislative move is intended to create a more conducive environment for surplus lines insurers, enabling them to operate more efficiently within Connecticut’s insurance market.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 6771 appears to be positive, particularly among proponents who view the measure as a significant step toward facilitating local operations of nonadmitted insurers. While there may be some concerns regarding oversight and regulation, the overall consensus indicates a welcoming attitude towards legislation that could stimulate economic activity within the state's insurance industry. The support aligns with broader trends favoring regulatory changes that encourage business development and innovation in insurance practices.

Contention

Despite the positive sentiment, there are notable points of contention regarding the implications for regulatory oversight. Critics may highlight the importance of ensuring that nonadmitted insurers are subject to sufficient regulatory measures to protect consumers. As nonadmitted insurers operate in a less regulated space, there are concerns that allowing their establishment could complicate the insurance landscape, especially if sufficient safeguards are not put in place to monitor their activities and ensure compliance with state standards.