North Dakota Senate Bill SB2173

North Dakota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23
• Report Pass: 1/26/23
• Engrossed: 1/31/23
• Refer: 2/15/23
• Report Pass: 3/15/23
• Enrolled: 3/23/23
• Passed: 3/28/23

Caption

The licensing of limited lines travel insurance producers.

Impact

SB 2173 will significantly impact the way travel insurance is marketed and sold across the state. By establishing clear definitions and licensing requirements, the bill aims to protect consumers from potential abuses while simplifying the process for travel retailers. This regulatory clarity is expected to strengthen consumer confidence in purchasing travel insurance by ensuring that only licensed entities are entitled to offer these products. The amendments to existing laws will impose requirements on travel administrators and expose them to greater scrutiny by state regulators, promoting a fairer marketplace.

Summary

Senate Bill 2173 aims to create a regulatory framework for the sale and administration of travel insurance in North Dakota. The bill introduces a new chapter in the North Dakota Century Code specifically focused on travel insurance and outlines the licensing requirements for limited lines travel insurance producers. It aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both insurers and travel retailers, ensuring they comply with state insurance laws while promoting the sale of travel insurance products. The proposed legislation delineates the definitions relevant to travel insurance, including eligibility provisions for different types of coverage and exemptions to ensure broad applicability across various travel-related situations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 2173 appears to be largely positive among legislative members and industry stakeholders. Advocates argue that the bill will lead to enhanced consumer protections and a more organized marketplace for travel insurance products. There seems to be a consensus that clearer regulations will improve accountability among insurers and travel retailers. However, some concerns have been noted regarding the potential burdens placed on smaller travel retailers who may find compliance with these new rules more challenging.

Contention

One notable point of contention within the discussions surrounding SB 2173 relates to the impact of licensing requirements on small businesses and new entrants in the travel insurance market. While the bill seeks to protect consumers and standardize practices, some critics argue that these regulations could limit competition by disproportionately affecting smaller operators who may struggle with the cost of compliance. Furthermore, the definition of roles such as 'travel administrators' causes some concern about the potential overlap with existing insurance regulations, leading to fears of confusion among consumers as well as the businesses serving them.