The bill seeks to modernize and streamline various statutes overseen by the insurance commissioner in Washington State by repealing outdated laws and aligning state policies with federal regulations. Key amendments include a revised timeline for tax refund requests, stipulating that requests for tax refunds must be submitted within six years of the end of the calendar year for which the taxes are owed, while requests for other fees must be made within 13 months. The bill also introduces new definitions regarding personal automobile insurance rates for seniors and the consideration of fire safety devices in dwelling insurance rates. Additionally, it modifies the requirements for charitable gift annuities, emphasizing the necessity for organizations to maintain minimum net assets without donor restrictions.

In the realm of health insurance, the bill prohibits health carriers from issuing new charitable gift annuities until they meet the minimum net asset requirements and mandates non-discriminatory practices in coverage for individuals based on health-related factors. It ensures coverage for medically necessary gender-affirming treatments and requires health carriers to report on geographic access to such treatments. The legislation also updates reporting requirements for dental plans, mandates annual reports on medical malpractice claims, and establishes registration requirements for guaranteed asset protection waivers. Several outdated statutes are repealed, and the new provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with the overall aim of enhancing access to health services and ensuring transparency and compliance among insurance providers.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 42.56.400, 48.200.040, 48.19.460, 48.19.501, 48.19.540, 48.37.050, 48.38.010, 48.38.012, 48.43.0128, 48.43.115, 48.43.135, 48.43.743, 48.135.030, 48.02.190, 48.140.050, 48.150.100, 48.160.020
Substitute Bill: 42.56.400, 48.200.040, 48.19.460, 48.19.540, 48.37.050, 48.38.010, 48.38.012, 48.43.0128, 48.43.135, 48.43.743, 48.135.030, 48.02.190, 48.140.050, 48.150.100, 48.160.020
Bill as Passed Legislature: 42.56.400, 48.200.040, 48.19.460, 48.19.540, 48.37.050, 48.38.010, 48.38.012, 48.43.0128, 48.43.135, 48.43.743, 48.135.030, 48.02.190, 48.150.100, 48.160.020
Session Law: 42.56.400, 48.200.040, 48.19.460, 48.19.540, 48.37.050, 48.38.010, 48.38.012, 48.43.0128, 48.43.135, 48.43.743, 48.135.030, 48.02.190, 48.150.100, 48.160.020