Thirty-two members of California’s Democratic Congressional Delegation have written a letter to insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara, expressing concern that his proposed reforms could weaken consumer protections and the regulatory authority granted by Proposition 103.
Led by Representatives John Garamendi and Zoe Lofgren, the group questioned the potential implications of Lara’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy, which includes a deal that would require insurers to return to certain fire risk zones in exchange for more leeway when it comes to setting rates.
In the letter, they told Lara that his proposed reforms “suggest dramatic changes to the commissioner's regulatory power that may result in a diminution of the authority granted by California voters and your ability to create a stable insurance market in our state.”
They added that the reforms could “threaten the important consumer protections established in Proposition 103” and asked that the public be involved in the process of determining changes to the insurance regulatory framework.
Californians voted to enact Proposition 103 in 1988. Its implementation made the insurance commissioner an elected position and has since required insurers to obtain prior approval from the Department of Insurance before adjusting their rates.
“We bring our concerns to your attention in anticipation of a comprehensive and transparent process of rulemaking, public hearings, and public comment on any proposed changes to the regulatory powers of the commissioner and process for approving any rate increases for policyholders,” the California representatives said in their letter.
“Such a public process is necessary for the protection of consumers against unchecked corporate interests, and we strongly believe that any precipitous action should be subject to public scrutiny.”
Similar concerns were raised by Consumer Watchdog last week. The group founded by Proposition 103 author Harvey Rosenfield had penned a letter to California’s governor and legislative leaders, claiming that the Sustainable Insurance Strategy lacks substantial consumer benefits and is marred by “loopholes.”
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