Independent Insurance Agents  of Oklahoma

Legislative News
2016 Legislative Session April 1, 2016

Next Tuesday, April 5, is

Day at the Capitol


Oklahoma State Capitol
Blue Room, 2nd Floor, East End
 
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Issues Briefing
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Agents visit legislators 

Legislative Happenings
After two slow weeks the pace at the state Capitol picked up this week, especially in committee meetings where bills from the opposite chamber of origin must be heard by April 8. The mandate bill (HB 2962), which IIAO opposes, passed the Senate Appropriations Committee Wednesday by a vote of 36-3 and now heads to the full Senate for consideration. The bill would require insurance companies to cover the treatment of autistic children. This coverage will be required to be added to the state health insurance program and SoonerCare at an estimated cost of $25M. We are concerned about not only the cost to the state, but to the increased cost of employees' health insurance to small business employers. We will continue our lobbying efforts to defeat this bill on the Senate floor. Another insurance-related bill heard in committee this week was SB 1012, which modifies the investigative and prosecutorial authority of the OID in cases of fraud. The deadline to hear bills on the floor of the opposite chamber of origin is April 22.

The $1.3 billion FY-17 budget deficit continues to be a hot topic. Criticism has increased from some special interest groups that the legislature is not focused on the budget deficit. Legislative leaders were quick to respond this week that abundant discussion is being done behind the scenes to formulate a plan to provide a budget that protects core public services as much as possible. Budget negotiations between the Senate, House and governor's office will kick into high gear May 2.

One of the many questions I get is the issue of fees vs. commissions. The Oklahoma Insurance Department recently issued a form to be used by agents for their clients that they are charging a fee and/or receiving commissions. With the recent decision by Blue Cross Blue Shield to delete compensation to the producer on individual health plans, this gives those agents an alternative to continue to service their clients. The form is available on the OID website here.

As a Gold Level Sponsor for the Oklahoma FFA program, IIAO members will be manning a Trusted Choice booth at the FFA annual con vention  on April 26 and 27. This is an excellent investment in the future of our state - if you're in the area, stop by and say hello.

Remember to sign up for IIAO's Day at the Capitol. This is a great opportunity for your voice to be heard for our industry. It's also a good chance to visit with your legislator in their environment. If you don't know who your legislator is, click here.
 
Until next time...
Denise Johnson
President/CEO
Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma 

This legislative newsletter is being sent every two weeks during the 2016 session to inform you of issues that directly affect our state and industry. Please let me know what you think - we're always looking for feedback!





2016 Legislative Calendar
 
Tuesday, April 5
IIAO'S Day at the Capitol

Thursday April 7
House bills reported from Senate committee

Thursday April 21
3rd reading deadline in Opposite House

Friday May 27
Sine Die

Tuesday June 28
Primary Election

Tuesday August 23
Runoff Election

Tuesday November 8
General Election