Kansas House advances name change bill for insurance department

On February 17, 2025, the Kansas House Committee on Insurance convened to discuss significant legislative changes, including House Bill 2333, commonly referred to as the name change bill. This bill proposes to rename the Kansas Insurance Department to the Kansas Department of Insurance, or KDooy, and reclassify the Office of the Securities Commissioner as the Department of Insurance Securities Division. Notably, the bill also seeks to remove the requirement for Senate confirmation of the securities commissioner appointee.

The discussion highlighted the importance of the proposed changes, particularly regarding the securities commissioner’s role. Representative Deibert emphasized the need to approach these changes positively, suggesting that the committee should not act out of spite but rather in recognition of the evolving needs of the department. The bill received a favorable motion for passage, indicating strong support among committee members.

In addition to the name change bill, the committee also reviewed House Bill 2334, which aims to update various terms and definitions within the Captive Insurance Act. This bill introduces provisional certificates of authority and establishes the Kansas Protected Cell Captive Insurance Company Act. The committee acknowledged that this legislation involves complex elements and had previously received extensive testimony, indicating its potential impact on the insurance landscape in Kansas.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting reflect ongoing efforts to modernize and clarify the structure and functions of Kansas's insurance regulatory framework. As these bills progress, they may lead to significant changes in how insurance and securities are managed in the state, with implications for both industry professionals and consumers. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on these bills as they move toward potential enactment.