SB0258 Summary

• Establishes the Insurance Consumer Advocate Law creating the position of Insurance Public Advocate, to be held by the Lieutenant Governor or a Governor-appointed individual if the position is vacant.

• Grants the Insurance Public Advocate authority to investigate insurance rates, rules, regulations, and practices; make recommendations to the General Assembly and Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; appeal Department decisions; and represent consumers in insurance-related proceedings.

• Authorizes the Insurance Public Advocate to hire professional and non-professional employees, consultants, expert witnesses, and technical advisors as necessary to carry out duties.

• Requires the Insurance Public Advocate to take a Constitutional oath of office, file it with the Secretary of State, and provide bond through the Official Bond Act before assuming duties.

• Grants the Insurance Public Advocate access to all Division of Insurance files, records, and documents except personnel information, attorney-client privileged materials, and proprietary information of insurance companies.