Substitute House Bill No. 5373, also known as Public Act No. 26-69, introduces significant revisions to the insurance statutes, effective October 1, 2026. Key changes include the repeal of Section 38a-26, which previously outlined the service of process on the commissioner, now allowing service via electronic mail alongside traditional methods. The bill mandates that the commissioner must send a copy of the process to the last-known electronic mail address of the person being served and stipulates that no judgment by default can be granted until 45 days after service. Additionally, Section 38a-774 is amended to permit the commissioner to provide notice of license suspension or revocation through personal delivery or electronic mail, and it clarifies the conditions under which the licenses of a firm’s principals or officers may be revoked. The bill also updates various references to ensure consistency in legal terminology, particularly changing mentions of the "judicial district of Hartford" to the "judicial district of New Britain."

Further amendments address the assessment and payment processes for insurers and health care entities, including a new timeline for fee assessments and the establishment of the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate. The bill modifies the estimated payment percentage for annual assessments and introduces penalties for late payments. It also enhances transparency in premium billing notices and updates the calculation of settlement amounts for vehicles declared a constructive total loss. Notably, the bill includes provisions for the confidentiality of personal information in life settlements, updates definitions related to health benefit plans, and introduces new regulations for health carriers regarding pharmacy benefits. Overall, these changes aim to modernize communication methods, streamline processes, and enhance consumer protection within the insurance regulatory framework.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
INS Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 241:
Public Act No. 26-69: