Page 22 - February2017

A Preview of Legislative Day

By Chris Davis

At press time, the new Illinois General Assembly is only 10 or denial of the course offering for C.E. credit. Furthermore,
days old and there are already multiple reasons to come to the legislation will grant the Department authority to attend
Springfield on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 for Insurance or assign others to attend, approved courses to confirm the
Industry Legislative Day. appropriateness of course offerings. The agent community
introduced the initiative to elevate the standard of in
Just this week, Jennifer Hammer started work as new person class offerings throughout the State.
Director of the Department of Insurance. A Springfield
native, Director Hammer is former Executive Director Second, NAIFA-IL has initiated legislation that would
of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce Health Care empower the Department to use discretion in granting
Council and most recently served as Deputy Chief of up to four Continuing Education credits to individuals
Staff and Legal Council within Governor Bruce Rauner’s who actively participate in their trade association. It gives
Administration. the Department discretion in defining what association
activities and participation qualify for credit. However,
The House of Representatives adopted new Rules to govern it encourages membership and engagement within your
the legislative process of the Chamber for the next two association.
years of the 100th General Assembly. Those Rules created
two distinct Committees. Insurance issues will now be Also, IIA of IL has taken an opportunity to meet with
separated into either the Insurance: Property & Casualty or the Department and discuss the burdens and antiquities
Insurance: Health & Safety. Although not yet confirmed, of Premium Fund Trust Account (PFTA) regulations.
it is believed that Insurance: Property & Casualty The current regulations reflect mostly outdated banking
Committee will be Chaired by Representative Camille and financial transaction practices and pose significant
Lilly (D-Chicago). Representative Lilly has not previously administrative burdens on agencies. The Department has
served on the House Insurance Committee. Representative acknowledged the need for PFTA reform and has been
Laura Fine (D-Glenview) will Chair the Insurance: Health & cooperative in IIA of IL efforts. The Association is extremely
Safety Committee. Representative Fine did previously serve optimistic that significant improvements and reforms will
on the House Insurance Committee. be negotiated and adopted by the Department. Stay tuned
as progress develops.
Also new, is Senate Insurance Committee Chairman
John Mulroe. The Chicago attorney has proven himself Finally, there is little doubt that Workers Compensation
extremely competent and capable in three short terms and Insurance, Auto Insurance Verification, Life Insurance
was elevated to the position after longtime Chairman Bill as well as Health Insurance will all be significant issues
Haine was elected to Leadership in the Senate Democrat this spring. The House twice passed Workers Comp
Caucus. In addition, former State Representative and House Rate Regulation this past Session, which the IIA of IL
Insurance Committee Chair Monique Davis has retired. opposed, including in the final two days in January.
Therefore, we will have a new House Insurance Committee Additionally, the Governor has demanded and the Senate
Chair. However, we do not know, at this time, who that has introduced Workers Compensation legislation as a
Chairperson will be, although rumors abound… Stay tuned part of a “Grand Bargain” budget resolution proposal. The
as House Committee Appointments are finalized by the Secretary of State has introduced legislation to implement
time you read this. All will be invited to participate at our the findings of an Auto Insurance Verification Task
Legislative Day Luncheon. Force that implements recommendations made by the
Industry. Despite an agreement with the industry just last
IIA of Illinois and its “Coalition of Insurance Agents and spring, Treasurer Michael Frerichs has already introduced
Brokers” introduces Legislative and Regulatory reform additional legislation to address Life Insurance Benefits and
packages. The Agent community has initiated two Unclaimed Property. Finally, legislation has already been
Legislative proposals and one substantial Regulatory introduced to address “network adequacy” issues that have
proposal that will significantly benefit agency operations. burdened consumers in the health insurance marketplace
for the past two years.
The Coalition will be introducing two Legislative initiatives
aimed at improving educational offerings and how they All of these reasons, and more, are plenty of inspiration for
are regulated by the Department of Insurance. Due to ANY agent to descend on Springfield and share your and
Illinois state budget restraints, the agent and broker your customers’ stories with Legislators and policy makers.
community, at the behest of IIA of IL, has come together
to commit resources to assist the Department in reviewing See you in Springfield on March 29, if not before. In the
and approving educational offerings throughout the meantime, be well and do good.
State. The legislation creates, within the Department, an
Educational Advisory Board made up of industry education
professionals that will review classes submitted to the Chris Davis is VP Government Relations for the IIA of IL.
Department for approval, and assist the Department in He can be reached at (217) 321-3002 or cdavis@iiaofil.org.
assessing the proposed class offering, and granting approval

22 insight february 2017