Insurance department previews noncontroversial omnibus cleanup bill at committee organizational meeting

Members of the Arkansas House Insurance & Commerce Committee met for an organizational session during which officials from the Arkansas Insurance Department previewed a "general omnibus" bill of cleanup items and said their staff will be available to assist committee members during the legislative session.

The discussion matters because the omnibus package could contain multiple technical changes to state insurance law and regulations that affect insurers, agents and health-care payers across the state. Committee leaders also reviewed meeting procedures and scheduling for the session.

Clay McClain, identified in the meeting as representing the insurance commissioner, told the committee, "We will have a small package from the insurance department. We call it general omnibus bill. Classic, nothing to see here, just clean up stuff," and said the department expects to present that package and to talk with committee members about sponsorship. McClain introduced agency staff who will be regular resources for the committee, including Russ Galbraith (identified as chief deputy insurance commissioner) and Booth Rand (described as the department's health insurance expert). He said additional, separate proposals related to captive insurers and other items likely will be set apart from the omnibus cleanup bill.

McClain said department staff would be available at committee meetings and to assist members with drafting and technical questions. He gave a contact number for members and said the department often references model laws or accreditation standards developed through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the National Council of Insurance Legislators when advising legislators.

Committee leaders used the session to review housekeeping rules and meeting logistics. The committee chair (unnamed in the transcript) reminded members that a quorum of 11 is required to start meetings and said the panel plans to meet primarily on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. The chair also said the committee will not meet next Wednesday because there were no items on the agenda. In outlining the committee's approach to hearings, the chair said members do not need to ask the chair or vice chair for permission to ask follow-up questions: "When you have a follow-up question, you do not need to ask myself or vice chair Steinle for permission. Just ask your question," the chair said, adding that members should be reasonable and relevant when asking follow-ups.

A number of industry and stakeholder representatives introduced themselves to the committee as attendees who expect to be regular participants. Those introductions included Jack Hopkins, director of government relations for Centene in Arkansas; David Manns of Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield; Michael Harry, chief compliance officer and director of government affairs at the Arkansas Treasury; Blake Meyer, policy advisor with the governor's office; Justin Brasher and Nicole Pugh from the Arkansas Attorney General's Office; Lori Trogdon, president of the Arkansas Bankers Association; John Bethel of Entergy Arkansas; representatives of the Arkansas Hospital Association; independent insurance agents; Black Hills Energy; the Arkansas chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics; and others who said they would be available as resources to the committee.

No bills were debated or voted on during the meeting. Committee staff and members emphasized the committee's intent to vet legislation thoroughly and to use the department and other stakeholders as technical resources as they prepare, sponsor and consider bills during the session.

The session closed with routine reminders about meeting conduct and facilities; the chair asked members to leave restroom doors open to avoid lockouts and reiterated expectations for professional decorum during hearings.