Bill Text: WV HB2221 | 2021 | Regular Session | Enrolled

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Bill Title: Relating to the establishment of an insurance innovation process

Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Republican 10-1)

Status: (Passed) 2021-05-20 - Chapter 163, Acts, Regular Session, 2021 [HB2221 Detail]

Download: West_Virginia-2021-HB2221-Enrolled.html

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WEST virginia legislature

2021 regular session

ENROLLED

Committee Substitute

for

House Bill 2221

By Delegates Westfall, Espinosa, D. Jeffries, Williams, L. Pack, Hott, Capito, Pritt, Keaton, Barnhart and Reed

[Passed April 10, 2021; in effect ninety days from passage.]

 

AN ACT to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new article, designated §33-60-1, §33-60-2, §33-60-3, §33-60-4, §33-60-5, §33-60-6, §33-60-7, §33-60-8, §33-60-9, and §33-60-10, all relating to the establishment of an insurance innovation process; defining terms; setting forth application requirements; prohibiting certain persons from applying; providing for the acceptance or rejection of the application by the Insurance Commissioner; requiring that the Insurance Commissioner set forth certain terms and conditions that will govern a proposed insurance innovation; providing that the Insurance Commissioner issue a limited no-action letter that establishes a safe harbor under which the commissioner will not take administrative or regulatory action against a participant or client of the participant; establishing the time period of the safe harbor and for the extension thereof; setting forth the requirements that a participant must adhere to during the safe harbor period; providing for penalties regarding violations of the terms contained in a limited no-action letter; providing the right to an administrative hearing; setting forth the criteria for the Insurance Commissioner to issue an extended no-action letter; providing for what the extended no-action letter must contain; requiring that documents and other information submitted to the Insurance Commissioner in relation to the insurance innovation be confidential and privileged; allowing the Insurance Commissioner to disclose in the extended no-action letter any information necessary to clearly establish the safe harbor; requiring the Insurance Commissioner to provide reports and, upon request, briefings to the Legislature; allowing the Insurance Commissioner to enter into reciprocity agreements with state, federal, or foreign regulatory agencies; and requiring rulemaking.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 60. INSURANCE INNOVATION.

§33-60-1. Definitions.

For the purposes of this article, unless the context otherwise indicates:

“Applicant” means a person or entity that has filed an application under §33-60-2 of this code.

“Beta test” means the phase of testing of an insurance innovation in the regulatory sandbox through the use, sale, license, or availability of the insurance innovation by or to clients or consumers under the supervision of the commissioner.

“Client” means a person, other than a consumer, utilizing a participant’s insurance innovation during a beta test to carry on some activity regulated by the commissioner.

“Commissioner” means the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner or the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, as appropriate.

“Extended no-action letter” means a public notice setting forth the conditions for an extended safe harbor beyond the beta test under which the commissioner will not take any administrative or regulatory action against any person using the insurance innovation described in the extended no-action letter.

“Innovation” means any product, process, method, or procedure relating to the sale, solicitation, negotiation, fulfilment, administration, or use of any product or service regulated by the commissioner:

(A) That has not been used, sold, licensed, or otherwise made available in this state before the filing date of the application, whether or not the product or service is marketed or sold directly to consumers; and

(B) That has regulatory and statutory barriers that prevent its use, sale, license, or availability within this state.

“Innovation’s utility” means an evaluation by the commissioner of the insurance innovation’s ability to adequately satisfy factors set forth in §33-60-2(a)(2)(A) of this code.

“Limited no-action letter” or “limited letter” means a letter setting forth the conditions of a beta test and establishing a safe harbor under which the commissioner will not take any administrative or regulatory action against a participant or client of the participant concerning the compliance of the insurance innovation with West Virginia law so long as the participant or client abides by the terms and conditions established in the limited no-action letter.

“Participant” means an applicant that has been issued a limited no-action letter under §33-60-4 of this code.

“Person” means a person or entity.

“Qualified United States financial institution” means an institution that:

(A) Is organized or, in the case of a United States office of a foreign banking organization, licensed under the laws of the United States or any state thereof;

(B) Is regulated, supervised, and examined by federal or state authorities having regulatory authority over banks and trust companies; and

(C) Has been determined by either the commissioner or the Securities Valuation Office of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to meet such standards of financial condition and standing as are considered necessary and appropriate to regulate the quality of financial institutions whose letters of credit will be acceptable to the commissioner.

“Regulatory sandbox” means the process established under this article by which an applicant may apply to beta test and obtain a limited no-action letter for an innovation, potentially resulting in the issuance of an extended no-action letter.

§33-60-2. Application for admission to regulatory sandbox.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, on or before December 31, 2025, an applicant may apply to the commissioner for admission to the regulatory sandbox by submitting an application in the form prescribed by the commissioner, accompanied by the following:

(1) A filing fee of $750;

(2) A detailed description of the innovation, which shall include:

(A) An explanation of how the innovation will:

(i)  Add value to customers and serve the public interest;

(ii) Be economically viable for the applicant;

(iii) Provide suitable consumer protection; and

(iv) Pose no unreasonable risk of consumer harm.

(B) A detailed description of the statutory and regulatory issues that prevents the innovation from being utilized, issued, sold, solicited, distributed, or advertised in the market currently;

(C)  A description of how the innovation functions, as well as the manner in which it will be offered or provided;

(D) If the innovation involves the use of software, hardware, or other technology developed for the purpose of implementing or operating it, a technical white paper setting forth a description of the operation and general content of technology to be utilized, including:

(i) The problem addressed by that technology; and

(ii) The interaction between that technology and its users;

(E)  If the innovation involves the issuance of a policy of insurance, a statement that:

(i) If the applicant will be the insurer on the policy, the applicant holds a valid license or certificate of authority and is authorized to issue the insurance coverage in question; or

(ii) If some other person will be the insurer on the policy, the other person holds a valid license or certificate of authority and is authorized to issue the insurance coverage in question; and

(F) A statement by an officer of the applicant certifying that no product, process, method, or procedure substantially similar to the innovation has been used, sold, licensed, or otherwise made available in this state before the filing date of the application;

(3) The name, contact information, and bar number of the applicant’s insurance regulatory counsel, which shall be a person with experience providing insurance regulatory compliance advice;

(4) A detailed description of the specific conduct that the applicant proposes should be permitted by the limited no-action letter;

(5)  Proposed terms and conditions to govern the applicant’s beta test, which shall include:

(A) Citation to the provisions of West Virginia law that should be excepted in the notice of acceptance issued under §33-60-3(d)(2) of this code; and

(B) Any request for an extension of the time period for a beta test under §33-60-5(a) of this code and the grounds for the request;

(6) Proposed metrics by which the commissioner may reasonably test the innovation’s utility during the beta test;

(7) Disclosure of all:

(A) Persons who are directors and executive officers of the applicant;

(B) General partners of the applicant if the applicant is a limited partnership;

(C) Members of the applicant if the applicant is a limited liability applicant;

(D) Persons who are beneficial owners owning 10 percent or more of the voting securities of the applicant;

(E) Other persons with direct or indirect authority to direct the management and policies of the applicant by contract, other than a commercial contract for goods or nonmanagement services; and

(F) Conflicts of interest with respect to any person listed in this subdivision and the commissioner;

(8) A statement that the applicant has funds of at least $25,000 available to guarantee its financial stability through one or a combination of any of the following:

(A) A contractual liability insurance policy;

(B) A surety bond issued by an authorized surety;

(C) Securities of the type eligible for deposit by authorized insurers in this state;

(D) Evidence that the applicant has established an account payable to the commissioner in a federally insured financial institution in this state and has deposited money of the United States in an amount equal to the amount required by this subdivision that is not available for withdrawal except by direct order of the commissioner;

(E) A letter of credit issued by a qualified United States financial institution; or

(F) Another form of security authorized by the commissioner; and

(9) A statement confirming that the applicant is not seeking authorization for, nor shall it engage in, any conduct that would render the applicant unauthorized to make an application under subsection (b) of this section.

(b)(1)The following persons shall not be authorized to make an application to the commissioner for admission to the regulatory sandbox:

(A) Any person seeking to sell or license an insurance innovation directly to any federal, state, or local government entity, agency, or instrumentality as the insured person or end user of the innovation;

(B) Any person seeking to sell, license, or use an insurance innovation that is not in compliance with §33-60-2(a)(2)(E) of this code;

(C) Any person seeking to make an application that would result in the person having more than five active beta tests ongoing within the state at any one time; or

(D) Any person seeking a limited or extended no-action letter or exemption from any administrative regulation or statute concerning:

(i) Assets, deposits, investments, capital, surplus, or other solvency requirements applicable to insurers;

(ii)  Required participation in any assigned risk plan, residual market, or guaranty fund;

(iii) Any licensing or certificate of authority requirements; or

(iv) The application of any taxes or fees.

(2) For the purposes of this subsection, “federal, state, or local government entity, agency, or instrumentality” includes but is not limited to any county, city, municipal corporation, local government, special district, public school district, or public institution of education.

§33-60-3. Acceptance or rejection of application.

(a)(1) Unless extended as provided in §33-60-3(a)(2) of this code, the commissioner shall issue a notice of acceptance or rejection in accordance with this section within 60 days from the date an application is received.

(2) The commissioner may extend by not more than 30 days the period provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection if he or she notifies the applicant before expiration of the initial 60-day period.

(3) An application that has not been accepted or rejected by a notice of acceptance or rejection issued by the commissioner prior to expiration of the initial 60-day period, or if applicable, the period provided in §33-60-3(a)(2) of this code, shall be deemed accepted.

(b) The commissioner may request from the applicant any additional material or information necessary to evaluate the application, including but not limited to:

(1) Proof of financial stability;

(2) A proposed business plan;

(3) Pro-forma financial statement; and

(4) Executive profiles on the applicant and its leadership demonstrating insurance or insurance-related industry experience and applicable experience in the use of the technology.

(c) The commissioner shall review the application to:

(1) Identify and assess:

(A) The potential risks to consumers, if any, posed by the innovation; and

(B) The manner in which the innovation would be offered or provided; and

(2) Determine whether it satisfies the following requirements:

(A) The application satisfies the requirements of §33-60-2 of this code;

(B) The application proposes a product, process, method, or procedure that meets the definition of innovation under §33-60-1 of this code;

(C) Approval of the application does not pose an unreasonable risk of consumer harm;

(D) The application identifies statutory or regulatory requirements that actually prevent the innovation from being utilized, issued, sold, solicited, distributed, or advertised in this state; and

(E) The application proposes an innovation that is not substantially similar to another innovation:

(i) That has been previously beta tested; or

(ii) Proposed in an application that is currently pending with the commissioner.

(d) Upon review of the application, the commissioner shall, in his or her discretion, issue one of the following:

(1) If the commissioner determines that the application fails to satisfy any of the requirements under §33-60-3(c)(2) of this code, he or she shall:

(A) Issue a notice of rejection to the applicant; and

(B) Describe in the notice of rejection the specific defects in the application; or

(2) If the commissioner determines that the application satisfies the requirements of §33-60-3(c)(2) of this code, he or she shall issue a notice of acceptance to the applicant. The notice of acceptance shall:

(A) Set forth the terms and conditions that will govern the applicant’s beta test, which shall include, at a minimum:

(i) A requirement that the applicant:

(I) Abide by all West Virginia law, except where explicitly excepted;

(II) Utilize the insurance innovation within this state; and

(III) Report any change in the disclosures made pursuant to §33-60-2(a)(7) of this code;

(ii) A notice of the licenses required to be obtained prior to the commencement of the beta test;

(iii) Monthly reporting obligations structured to determine the progress of the beta test;

(iv) Consumer protection measures deemed necessary by the commissioner to be employed by the applicant;

(v) The level of financial stability required to be in place for the beta test. The commissioner may increase, decrease, or waive the requirements for financial stability required under §33-60-2(a)(8) of this code, commensurate with the risk of consumer harm posed by the insurance innovation;

(vi) The duration of the beta test, including any extension authorized under §33-60-5 of this code;

(vii) Permitted conduct under the limited letter;

(viii) Any limits established by the commissioner on the:

(I) Financial exposure that may be assumed by an applicant during the beta test;

(II) Number of customers an applicant may accept; and

(III) Volume of transactions that an applicant or its clients may complete during the beta test; and

(ix) The metrics the commissioner intends to use to determine the innovation’s utility; and

(B) Provide that the notice of acceptance shall expire unless:

(i) It is accepted by the applicant in writing; and

(ii) The acceptance is filed with the commissioner within 60 days of the issuance of the notice.

(e) An applicant may request a hearing pursuant to §33-2-13 of this code on:

(1) A notice of rejection; and

(2) A notice of acceptance, if the request is made prior to its expiration.

§33-60-4. Limited no-action letter.

(a) Within 10 days following the timely receipt of an acceptance pursuant to §33-60-3(d)(2)(B) of this code, the commissioner shall issue a limited no-action letter that:

(1) Sets forth terms and conditions for the participant that are the same as those set forth in the notice of acceptance issued under §33-60-3(d)(2) of this code; and

(2) Provides that so long as the participant and any clients of the participant abide by the terms and conditions set forth in the letter, no administrative or regulatory action concerning the compliance of the insurance innovation with West Virginia law will be taken by the commissioner against the participant or any clients during the term of the beta test.

(b) If the application is deemed accepted under §33-60-3(a)(3) of this code, the proposed limited no-action letter included with the application shall be deemed to have the effect of a limited letter issued by the commissioner.

(c) The safe harbor of the limited letter shall persist until the earlier of:

(1) The early termination of the beta test under §33-60-5 of this code;

(2) The issuance of an extended no-action letter; or

(3) The issuance of a notice declining to issue an extended no-action letter.

(d) The commissioner shall publish all limited letters issued pursuant to this section on the commissioner’s publicly accessible internet website.

§33-60-5. Time period of beta test; extension of time period; penalties for violation of limited no-action letter.

(a) The time period for a beta test shall be three years. The time period may be extended by the commissioner in the notice of acceptance for a period that is not longer than one year if a request is made in accordance with §33-60-2(a)(5)(B) of this code.

(b) During the beta test, the participant and any clients of the participant shall:

(1) Comply with all terms and conditions set forth in the limited no-action letter; and

(2) Provide the commissioner with all documents, data, and information requested by the commissioner.

(c) For any violation of the terms or conditions set forth in the limited letter, the commissioner may:

(1) Issue an order terminating the beta test and the safe harbor of the limited letter before the time period set forth in the limited letter has expired; and

(2) Impose a fine of not more than $2,000 per violation.

(d) The commissioner may issue an order under §33-60-5(c) of this code if, following receipt of information or complaints, the commissioner determines the beta test is causing consumer harm.

(e) The commissioner may issue an order requiring a client to cease and desist any activity violating the terms or conditions set forth in the limited letter. The issuance of a cease and desist order to one client shall not otherwise impact the ability of the participant or any other clients to continue activities relating to the innovation in a manner compliant with the requirements of the limited letter.

(f) A participant or client may request a hearing on any order issued under this section pursuant to §33-2-13 of this code.

§33-60-6. Extended no-action letter; review of beta test.

(a) Within 60 days of completion of the beta test, unless the time period is extended up to 30 days upon notice from the commissioner, the commissioner shall issue an extended no-action letter or a notice declining to issue an extended no-action letter. The participant may continue to employ the insurance innovation pursuant to the terms and conditions of the limited letter during the period between the completion of the beta test and the issuance of either an extended no-action letter or a notice declining to issue an extended no-action letter.

(b) The commissioner shall review the results of the beta test to determine whether the innovation satisfies the following requirements:

(1) The data presented demonstrates that the innovation’s utility was meritorious of an extension;

(2) Regulatory and statutory barriers prevent continued use of the innovation within this state;

(3) The innovation provided a benefit to West Virginia consumers; and

(4) The issuance of an extended no-action letter:

(A) Presents no risk of unreasonable harm to consumers or the marketplace; and

(B) Serves the public interest.

(c) Upon review of the results of the beta test the commissioner shall, in his or her discretion, issue one of the following:

(1) If the commissioner determines that the innovation fails to satisfy any of the requirements under §33-60-6(b) of this code, he or she shall:

(A) Issue a notice declining to issue an extended no-action letter;

(B) Describe in the notice the reasons for the declination;

(C) Notify the participant for the innovation of the notice; and

(D) Publish the notice on the commissioner’s publicly accessible Internet website; or

(2) If the commissioner determines that the innovation satisfies the requirements under §33-60-6(b) of this code, he or she shall issue an extended no-action letter. An extended no-action letter issued by the commissioner shall include:

(A) A description of the insurance innovation and the specific conduct permitted by the extended no-action letter in sufficient detail to enable any person to use the innovation or a product, process, method, or procedure not substantially different from the innovation within the safe harbor of the extended no-action letter;

(B) Notice of any certificate of authority, license, or permit the commissioner determines is necessary to use, sell, or license the innovation, or make the innovation available, in this state;

(C) An expiration date not greater than three years following the date of issuance;

(D) Notice that the extended no-action letter may:

(i) Be modified only by:

(I) Legislative rule proposed by the commissioner, if the safe harbor addresses a requirement established by rule; or

(II) An act of the Legislature; and

(ii) Be rescinded prior to its expiration if the commissioner receives complaints and determines continued activity poses a risk of harm to consumers;

(E) Clarification of required procedures related to the issuance and cancellation of any policies of insurance, if applicable, due to the expiration period; and

(F) Notice that, upon expiration, all persons relying on the extended no-action letter shall cease and desist operations related to the innovation unless changes have been made to West Virginia law to permit the innovation by:

(i) The promulgation of a legislative rule by the commissioner, if the safe harbor addresses a requirement established by rule; or

(ii) An act of the Legislature.

(d) A hearing on a notice of declination may be requested in accordance with §33-2-13 of this code.

(e) An extended no-action letter issued by the commissioner pursuant to this section shall be published on the commissioner’s publicly accessible internet website.

§33-60-7. Confidentiality of information.

(a) All documents, materials, or other information in the possession or control of the commissioner that are created, produced, obtained, or disclosed in relation to this article and that relate to the financial condition of any person shall be confidential by law and privileged, are not subject to the provisions of chapter 29B of this code, are not subject to subpoena, and are not subject to discovery or admissible in evidence in any private civil action.

(b) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the commissioner may disclose in an extended no-action letter any information relating to the insurance innovation necessary to clearly establish the safe harbor of the extended no-action letter.

§33-60-8. Reports to the Legislature.

(a) On or before September 1 each year during which there was activity pursuant to this article during the prior fiscal year, the commissioner shall submit a written report to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance that meets the requirements of §33-60-8(b) of this code. 

(b) The report shall include the following:

(1) The number of:

(A) Applications filed and accepted;

(B) Beta tests conducted; and

(C) Extended no-action letters issued;

(2) A description of the innovations tested;

(3) The length of each beta test;

(4) The results of each beta test;

(5) A description of each safe harbor created under §33-60-6 of this code;

(6) The number and types of orders or other actions taken by the commissioner or any other interested party under this article;

(7) Identification of any statutory barriers for consideration by the Legislature following successful beta tests and the issuance of extended no-action letters; and

(8)  Any other information or recommendations deemed relevant by the commissioner.

(c) The commissioner shall also, upon request of any committee of the Legislature, testify and explain any report submitted under this section and any activity pursuant to this article.

§33-60-9. Reciprocity agreements.

            The commissioner may enter into agreements with state, federal, or foreign regulatory agencies to allow persons who make an insurance innovation available in West Virginia through the regulatory sandbox to make their insurance innovation available in other jurisdictions and to allow persons operating in similar regulatory sandboxes in other jurisdictions to make insurance innovations available in West Virginia under the standards of this article.

§33-60-10. Rulemaking.

(a) The Insurance Commissioner shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code for the purposes of administering this article.

(b) The Insurance Commissioner shall develop all forms, contracts, or other documents to be used for the purposes outlined in this article.