NAPSLO Applauds NARAB II Introduction in House and Senate

The National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) applauds the introduction of the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act of 2013, commonly referred to as NARAB II. The legislation that was introduced March 12, 2013 in both the United States House of Representatives and the Senate will streamline agent and broker licensing nationwide.

NARAB II is designed to create a non-profit entity governed by a board of state insurance commissioners and industry representatives with a goal of applying licensing, continuing education and nonresident insurance producer standards on a multi-state basis while preserving the laws of individual states.

“NARAB II has been a major legislative priority for NAPSLO members for some time,” said David Leonard, Co-Chair of NAPSLO’s Legislative Committee. “We are very excited to see it receive such powerful, bipartisan support in its introduction, and look forward to working with members of Congress to see it passed into law.”

Identical bills were introduced by Senators Jon Tester (D-Montana) and Mike Johanns (R-Nebraska) in the Senate and by Representatives Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) and David Scott (D-Georgia) in the House. Both bills were introduced on the same day in a powerful show of support, receiving 41 sponsors in the House and 14 sponsors in the Senate and drawing Members from both sides of the aisle. NAPSLO applauds the leadership of these Congressional leaders for the work they have done thus far, and looks forward to working with them to see this legislation become law.

NAPSLO joined a number of other organizations in a coalition to educate members and advocate for the bill on Capitol Hill.

“Our Association and its members have put significant effort into advancing this legislation, taking advantage of every opportunity to highlight its impact and importance to the industry,” said NAPSLO Executive Director Brady Kelley. “There is still a lot of work to be done, but NAPSLO is committed to continuing to play a key role in the success of this legislation.”

Pursuant to NARAB II, state regulators would continue their role as the primary regulators of insurance producers and enforcers of consumer protection laws. NARAB will not report to the federal government nor possess any federal regulatory power. Membership would be on a voluntary basis, with those that join enjoying the benefits of multi-state licensing. NARAB membership is contingent on meeting rigorous standards and ethical requirements.

“NAPSLO is a strong advocate of both the state-based system of insurance regulation and measures that will increase the uniformity and efficiency of that system,” said James Drinkwater, Co-Chair of NAPSLO’s Legislative Committee. “We call on Congress to quickly approve this measure and build on the work of previous legislative sessions toward more efficient insurance markets.”

NARAB II Introduced in House & Senate

The U.S. House and Senate introduced legislation on Tuesday for the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers, more commonly known as NARAB II. If passed, the identical House and Senate bills will streamline the licensing process for agents and brokers, eliminating burdensome multistate requirements while maintaining the integrity of the state-based insurance regulatory system as well as continuing to provide consumer protection.

NARAB II would establish a clearinghouse for agents and brokers to operate in a multi-state system. Agents and brokers would apply for membership of the Association, agreeing to strict standards and ethical requirements.

NAPSLO has strongly supported NARAB II legislation previously in the 112th Congressional session and applauds the House and Senate for moving forward with bipartisan support of this critical legislation during the 113th Congressional session. We will continue to provide NAPSLO membership with updates as the legislation progresses and we look forward to the legislation being adopted.

In Memory of Mitchell M. Gwinn, Jr., CPCU

On Thursday, March 7, 2013, the NAPSLO family lost one of its founding members and past presidents, Mitchell M. Gwinn, Jr., CPCU.

Mitch was born on May 19, 1927 in Atlanta, where he attended Tech High School. A naval veteran of World War II, he saw action in the Battle of Okinawa.

Mitch spent 50 years in the property and casualty insurance business, employed in underwriting, production and management. He earned his Chartered Property & Casualty Underwriters designation in 1957. A founder of Southern General Insurance Company, he served as President of that firm for more than 20 years. He was also former Vice Chairman of that company’s affiliate, Insurance House. He served as President of the Georgia Chapter CPCU, Regional Vice President of the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices, and NAPSLO President during the 1978-79 term, President of the Georgia Fieldmen’s Association, Skipper of the Georgia Mariners’ Club and Emperor of the National Grappa Society. He received the Georgia Women’s Insurance Association’s “Boss of the Year Award,” and the Georgia Independent Insurance Agents’ prestigious Herman Haas Award for his exemplary service to the insurance industry.

Mitch enjoyed the theater, was an avid fan of Gilbert & Sullivan music and served as Chairman of the Southeastern Savoyards (now the Atlanta Lyric Theatre). He especially found pleasure in spending time with his family and many friends at his horse farm in northeast Alabama.

Mitch is survived by Jacquelyn his wife, two sons, Mitch and Wes, daughters-in-law, Kathy and Monica, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and his beloved Barbara.

Mitch was truly a “one of a kind” legend in terms of his passion for the insurance business. Mitch’s integrity, leadership and most of all his warmth and unique sense of humor will live in our memories of him for many years to come.