The House and Senate are moving with uncommon speed to stop insurance commissioners from waiving requirements to grant themselves licenses to sell insurance and adjust claims.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday that outgoing Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine granted himself several insurance licenses the day before he left office without taking mandatory tests. Oxendine used an insurance department rule that allowed him to waive education and testing requirements for himself.
On Tuesday, a House bill was filed to prevent insurance commissioners from granting themselves testing waivers. The House Insurance Committee passed the measure Thursday in just under three minutes after hearing from the bill's sponsor and Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens. Hudgens took office the day after Oxendine granted himself the licenses.
"It was unfortunate our former commissioner deemed himself an insurance agent," Hudgens said. "I was offended personally."
Hudgens added, "I think you would not have any trouble getting co-sponsors from both sides of aisle for this legislation."
Sen. Charlie Bethel, R-Dalton, on Wednesday filed an even more far-reaching bill. His legislation would keep any public official from granting themselves licenses without meeting legal, education and testing requirements.
"It surprised me anyone would consider doing it even if the law allowed it," he said.
Under Bethel's bill, violators could be removed from office and face fines of up to $10,000. Bethel hopes to get the bill heard in a Senate committee by next week.
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