HB 97 Summary

• Establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for travel insurance sales in Hawaii by creating a new article in Chapter 431, Hawaii Revised Statutes, known as the Hawaii Travel Insurance Act.

• Creates licensing requirements for limited lines travel insurance producers (managing general agents, property and casualty insurance producers, or travel administrators) and registration requirements for travel retailers offering travel insurance.

• Requires limited lines travel insurance producers to establish and maintain a register of travel retailers, designate a responsible producer, and ensure employee training on travel insurance types, ethical sales practices, and required disclosures.

• Prohibits negative opt-out sales practices, requires clear disclosure of travel protection plan components (travel insurance, travel assistance services, and cancellation fee waivers), and provides consumers a 10-15 day cancellation period for full refund before trip commencement or claim filing.

• Classifies travel insurance under inland marine lines for filing and rating purposes; requires travel insurers to pay premium taxes on policies sold to Hawaii residents and document the state of residence of primary policyholders or certificate holders.