hb1257_LC_37_0086S_hcs

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06 LC 37 0086S

House Bill 1257 (COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

By: Representatives Knox of the 24th, Maxwell of the 17th, Meadows of the 5th, and Watson of the 91st

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To amend Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance, so as to exempt certain change of address filings by agents, subagents, counselors, and adjusters from a fee; to provide for certain qualifications for a counseloŕs license; to provide for the maintenance by the Commissioner of Insurance of the address of the place of business of agents, subagents, counselors, and adjusters; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance, is amended by striking subparagraph (AA) of paragraph (6) of Code Section 33-8-1, relating to fees and charges generally, and inserting in lieu thereof a new subparagraph (AA) to read as follows:

"(AA) Amendment of filings	25.00
Provided, however, that the Commissioner, in his or her discretion, may exempt from such fee change of address filings done off line by agents, subagents, counselors, and adjusters.
(AA.1) Change of address filings done on line by agents, subagents, counselors, and adjusters	No charge"

SECTION 2.

Said title is further amended by striking paragraph (6) of subsection (a) of Code Section 33-23-5, relating to qualifications and requirements for license, and inserting in lieu thereof a new paragraph (6) to read as follows:

"(6) If applying for a license as counselor, the applicant must show that he or she either has had five yearś experience acting as either as an agent, subagent, or adjuster or in some other phase of the insurance business or has sufficient teaching or educational qualifications or experience which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, has qualified the applicant to act as such counselor; and the applicant shall pass such examination as shall be required by the Commissioner unless the applicant is exempted by the Commissioner, based on the applicant́s experience and qualifications and pursuant to a regulation adopted by the Commissioner;".

SECTION 3.

Said title is further amended by striking Code Section 33-23-25, relating to place of business, and inserting a new Code Section 33-23-25 to read as follows:

"33-23-25.

Every licensed agent, subagent, counselor, and adjuster shall have and maintain in this state or, if a nonresident licensee, in the state of domicile, a place of business accessible to the public. The place of business shall be that wherein the licensee principally conducts transactions pursuant to the license. The address of the place of business shall appear on all licenses of the resident licensee be maintained by the Commissioner. All resident and nonresident licensees shall promptly notify the Commissioner in writing within 30 days of any change in the business address."

SECTION 4.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.