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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 2, 2017 02:31 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Guy Reschenthaler |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Travel Insurance Modernization |
| In the near future I intend to re-introduce legislation to reform the insurance licensure requirements for Pennsylvania travel agents by reducing unnecessary burdens on these small businesses and offering greater protection to Pennsylvania residents through new training and consumer disclosures. This legislation was formerly introduced as Senate Bill 1331 and passed the Senate unanimously. Pennsylvania’s travel agency industry includes 456 retail locations that contribute 2,658 full-time jobs and approximately $129 million in direct economic impact to the state. These are predominantly small businesses, with 91 percent of them employing fewer than 10 people and 71 percent employing fewer than 5. They provide travel services but are not insurance agents, yet they are treated as such under the current licensing law that requires every travel retailer and employee of the travel retailer to hold a limited lines producer license. My legislation, which is consistent with national standards adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), mirrors legislation/regulations adopted by 43 states to date. Specifically, it will enable Pennsylvania travel agents to work under the license of the producer of the insurance product itself. This puts the onus for compliance with state regulations on the producers rather than the travel agents or their employees in storefronts. By bringing PA travel retailers under the producer’s umbrella, the legislation also ensures that the proper party – the licensed producer rather than travel retailers – is clearly disclosed to the consumer and known to be the responsible party for complaints or other issues that arise. Furthermore, my legislation increases consumer protections and assigns strict enforcement authority to the Department of Insurance to ensure that the licensed producer is responsible for the acts of the travel retailers operating under the producer’s license. Finally, the bill ensures there is no loss in licensee and appointment fees paid to the Commonwealth annually. Providing regulatory relief would allow Commonwealth travel retailers to remain competitive in an increasing global online travel marketplace by cutting red tape. Previous co-sponsors included: Senators Argall, Mensch, Bartolotta, White, Yudichak, Wagner, and Stefano. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. Please contact my office with any questions at 717-787-5839. |
Introduced as SB630