Amended Substitute Senate Bill 256 Summary

• Creates a limited lines travel insurance agent license that allows individuals and business entities to sell travel insurance without meeting standard insurance agent requirements, provided they meet specific conditions and register travel retailers.

• Defines travel insurance and travel protection plans (combining travel insurance, travel assistance services, and cancellation fee waivers), establishes rules for how these products can be offered, and requires clear disclosure to consumers that purchase is optional.

• Establishes that travel retailers may offer and sell travel insurance on behalf of licensed travel insurance agents if they meet requirements including designated responsible insurance agents, employee training programs, and adherence to disclosure rules.

• Provides exemptions from standard examination and education requirements for limited lines travel insurance agents and registered travel retailers, while still holding them accountable for compliance through unfair and deceptive practice standards.

• Allows travel protection plans to be offered for one combined price if consumers receive clear disclosure and opportunity to learn about individual features; prohibits use of negative options or opt-out requirements when consumers purchase trips.