Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB23

Introduced
1/16/25  
Refer
1/17/25  
Report Pass
2/5/25  
Engrossed
2/20/25  
Refer
2/20/25  

Caption

Requiring agents and insurers to respond to inquiries from the commissioner of insurance within 14 calendar days and authorizing certain rebate pilot programs to exceed one year in duration.

Impact

The provisions of SB23 are expected to significantly alter how insurance practices are monitored and enforced in the state. By mandating timely responses from insurers to the insurance commissioner, the bill aims to streamline regulatory oversight and improve accountability. This could lead to quicker resolutions of consumer complaints and more proactive measures in addressing unfair practices. Furthermore, by allowing rebate pilot programs, the legislation fosters a more innovative environment, which may lead to competitive advantages for ethical practices while simultaneously ensuring necessary safeguards are in place.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 23 seeks to amend existing insurance regulations to enhance consumer protection by defining and prohibiting unfair methods of competition and deceptive practices within the insurance industry. This bill specifically requires insurance agents and insurers to respond to inquiries from the insurance commissioner within a given timeframe and introduces the possibility of pilot programs related to rebates that can exceed one year in duration. This is designed to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and transparently during insurance transactions, especially concerning title insurance.

Contention

There are points of contention surrounding the potential implications of allowing rebate pilot programs. Critics argue that extended rebate programs may incentivize insurers to engage in practices that could confuse or mislead consumers regarding the true costs of insurance coverage. Proponents, however, believe that these programs could lead to lower prices and more personalized options for consumers. Additionally, the definition of what constitutes 'unfair or deceptive practices' extends to various common practices in the insurance industry, which may challenge existing methods and lead to further debates over definitions and interpretations among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

KS HB2043

Requiring agents and insurers to respond to inquiries from the commissioner of insurance within 14 calendar days and authorizing certain rebate pilot programs to exceed one year in duration.

KS SB42

Providing for the establishment of a web-based online insurance verification system for the verification of evidence of motor vehicle liability insurance, eliminating the requirement that the commissioner of insurance submit certain reports to the governor and requiring certain reports be available on the insurance department's website, removing certain entities from the definition of person for the purpose of enforcing insurance law, requiring that third party administrators maintain separate fiduciary accounts for individual payors and prohibiting the commingling of funds held on behalf of multiple payors, requiring the disclosure to the commissioner of insurance of any bankruptcy petition filed by or on behalf of such administrator pursuant to the United State bankruptcy code, requiring title agents to make their reports available for inspection upon request of the commissioner of insurance instead of submitting such reports annually, standardizing the amount of surety bonds filed with the commissioner of insurance at $100,000 and eliminating the small business exemption in certain counties.

KS SB55

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GA HB794

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KS SB22

Requiring title agents to make their audit reports available for inspection instead of submitting such reports annually, requiring the amount of surety bonds filed with the commissioner of insurance to be $100,000 and eliminating the controlled business exemption in certain counties.

KS HB2042

Requiring title agents to make their audit reports available for inspection instead of submitting such reports annually, requiring the amount of surety bonds filed with the commissioner of insurance to be $100,000, eliminating the controlled business exemption in certain counties.

TX HB1818

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GA SB359

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