CHAIRMAN HUDSON announced that the committee did notice SB 362 but did not have the opportunity to waive the 24 hour rule on the House floor. He said they would attempt to do it that evening and, if not, the bill would be before the committee the next morning. Number 028 CHAIRMAN HUDSON recessed the meeting at 8:41 P.M. Number 040 CHAIRMAN HUDSON reconvened the House Labor and Commerce Committee at 11:27 a.m. on May 9, 1994. Committee members present were Representatives Hudson, Green, Williams, Mulder, and Porter. Committee members absent were Representatives Sitton and Mackie. CSSB 362 (L&C) - OMNIBUS INSURANCE REFORM CHAIRMAN HUDSON announced the next order of business was CSSB 362 (L&C), relating to omnibus insurance reform. He noted there is a workdraft to the bill dated May 7, 1994, which considers the technical amendments that were asked for and were supposed to have been included in the bill in the Senate. Chairman Hudson He invited Commissioner Fuhs to the table to present the bill. Number 083 PAUL FUHS, Commissioner, Department of Commerce and Economic Development, explained that the "K" version contains technical amendments to the original bill. He said the amendments were adopted but committee staff put the wrong version before the committee when the bill moved. He said the bill has to do with solvency of insurance companies and if they are in financial trouble, his department wants to know so they can step in and not end up with a savings and loan situation. Number 097 DAVE WALSH, Director, Division of Insurance, testified in favor of SB 362. He added that he believes that the amendments are technical, but it is important that they are included in the bill. The amendments provide for more notice, more public hearings, more public exposure of any changes to national models and regulations that may have to be put in force. He referred to the amendment that would go on page 20, line 26 and said one thing the bill does is provide for continuing education rates. Mr. Walsh said this is something that the agents and brokers are in favor of. The amendment makes sure that the division takes into account the difficulties that people have in rural Alaska with attending classes, etc. He explained that they have always intended to allow credit for video tapes, etc. The amendment makes it clear that it has to happen. Mr. Walsh said he believes that everyone supports the bill. Number 125 REPRESENTATIVE MULDER moved for the adoption of the HCSCSSB 362 (L&C). Hearing no objection, it was so ordered. Number 139 REPRESENTATIVE GREEN asked if the version of the bill before the committee provides any advantage to any particular insurance agency or insurance service. Number 147 COMMISSIONER FUHS responded "no." He added that the whole bill is supported by the insurance industry. Number 154 REPRESENTATIVE MULDER asked what the Chairman's thoughts were in regards to entertaining debate on the subject of the "any willing provider" issue. CHAIRMAN HUDSON stated that he intended to move the bill without any further amendments. Number 175 REPRESENTATIVE PORTER made a motion move HCSCSSB 362 (L&C) out of the House Labor and Commerce Committee with individual recommendations and a zero fiscal note. Hearing no objections, the motion carried.