House Bill No. 248, introduced by Representatives Wilder and others, amends R.S. 22:1464(D) to enhance the process of public inspection regarding insurance rate filings. The bill stipulates that all rates and supporting information will be open to public inspection after the notification period or upon disapproval, except for information that is determined to be confidential, trade secret, or proprietary. The key change is that the responsibility for determining the confidentiality of such information shifts from the insurer or filer to the commissioner of insurance, who must notify the insurer or filer when a request for this information is made.

Additionally, the bill allows insurers or filers to request a hearing before the division of administrative law within ten days of receiving the commissioner's notice regarding the confidentiality determination. If a hearing is requested, the commissioner's decision is stayed until the hearing is resolved, which must be conducted promptly and in a summary manner. The court is also authorized to review the disputed documents in camera before making a decision. Importantly, the bill clarifies that public examination or reproduction of records that are not deemed confidential, trade secret, or proprietary remains permissible.

Statutes affected:
HB248 Original: 22:1464(D)
HB248 Engrossed: 22:1464(D)
HB248 Reengrossed: 22:1464(D)