This bill requires an entity that provides life insurance contracts in this state ("insurer") to provide the names of beneficiaries of the decedent's life insurance policy, the benefit amount under the policy, and other information requested by a funeral director or funeral establishment that contacts the insurer on behalf of the decedent's family. An insurer must provide such information within one business day of the date on which the director or establishment contacted the insurer. The insurer may provide the information by fax, email, or telephone as long as the manner in which the insurer chooses to provide the required information allows the director or establishment to receive the information within the one-business-day timeframe.
PROOF
This bill authorizes an insurer to require such director or establishment to provide proof that the director or establishment contacted the insurer on behalf of the decedent's family as long as the insurer allows the director or establishment to provide proof in a reasonable manner that does not otherwise impede the director or establishment from obtaining the information within the one-business-day timeframe. However, this bill prohibits an insurer from requiring a director or establishment to submit a death certificate.
PENALTY
This bill provides that a funeral director or funeral establishment that is denied policy information in violation of this bill may file a complaint with the department of commerce and insurance. If the department finds that an insurer violated this bill, then the department must assess the insurer a civil penalty of $500.
APPLICABILITY
This bill applies to conduct occurring, and policies entered into, amended, or renewed, on or after July 1, 2023.