STAND. COM. REP. NO.  226

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2015

RE:   H.B. No. 925

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 925 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to update the State's insurance laws.

     Specifically, this measure:

(1)  Establishes or increases fees;

(2)  Amends definitions and clarifies language;

(3)  Clarifies filing or notice procedures and requirements; and

(4)  Makes technical nonsubstantive amendments.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

     Your Committee finds that this administration measure will establish consistency in fees charged on all applications issued and services provided by the Insurance Division to purchasing groups, foreign risk retention groups, insurers, fraternal benefit societies, mutual benefit societies, health maintenance organizations, and dental insurers.  This measure will also allow the Insurance Division to recover certain administrative costs associated with the application process and services.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 925 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

ANGUS L.K. McKELVEY, Chair