Insurance commissioner offers bill preview and staff support as committee sets procedures

The House Insurance and Commerce Committee opened its organizational meeting with introductions from members, agency staff and industry representatives and heard from Insurance Commissioner Alan McLean that his office will present a small "omnibus" cleanup package and will serve as a resource to legislators during the session.

McLean told the committee that department staff would attend meetings and help members with technical questions about insurance legislation. "We're here to help," he said, adding that the department expects the package to be noncontroversial and limited to cleanup items. He also named staff who will assist legislators on property-and-casualty and health insurance topics and said the department follows model rules and accreditation work from national bodies.

The committee chair outlined housekeeping and procedural items for the coming session, saying members should feel free to ask follow-up questions during hearings without requesting permission from leadership. "Just ask your question," the chair said, granting members latitude to pursue sequenced questions during bill consideration. The chair also said the committee plans to meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays in the same room and noted that a quorum of 11 members is required to begin meetings; the chair announced there will be no meeting next Wednesday unless business develops.

Several industry and stakeholder representatives introduced themselves to the committee and offered to be points of contact. Those who spoke included Jack Hopkins of Centene (government relations), David Manns of Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, John Bethel of Entergy Arkansas, Charlie Speaks of Black Hills Energy, Jody Entred of the Arkansas Hospital Association, Lori Trogdon of the Arkansas Bankers Association, and representatives of the attorney general's office, the governor's office, and trade groups for independent insurance agents and hospitals. The committee clerk and staff—Michelle Nelson (committee analyst), Kathy Lett (administrative assistant) and Alex Stevens (BLR attorney)—were also introduced.

Committee members and staff were given contact information and encouraged to coordinate with agency and industry staff on drafting and technical questions. McLean provided his mobile number during his remarks and urged members to call or text with questions. He also referenced national organizations that inform state practice: the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the National Council of Insurance Legislators.

The meeting closed after housekeeping items; the chair reiterated expectations for professional conduct during hearings and reminded members of the restroom locking issue in the hearing room. No bills were taken up for debate or vote during this session.