Rep. Andrew Barkis’ Proposal to Clarify Insurance Licensing Requirements Passes State House

OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 2 -- The Washington state House Republicans issued the following news release:

Rep. Andrew Barkis' first bill, House Bill 1027, passed the House floor on Thursday. Before the unanimous 98-0 vote, Barkis participated in a time-honored tradition of a little friendly hazing from fellow lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.

HB 1027 would clarify licensing requirements for resident and nonresident surplus line brokers.

"You might be asking yourself what is a surplus line broker?" said Barkis, R-Olympia. "I asked myself the same question when the Office of Insurance Commissioner came to me with this bill."

A surplus line broker handles insurance policies outside the normal insurance perimeters. Surplus line policies often cover risks that do not fit normal underwriting patterns, or fit standard insurance policies.

"This bill clarifies current licensing provisions. It would allow surplus line brokers to have normal licensing requirements. It also adds additional stipulations to the licensing exam, and brings license reciprocity across state lines," said Barkis. "It's a good bill. I was glad to work with the OIC on bringing this forward."

House Bill 1027 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

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