nn### Digital Communication MandatennA key provision of the new law requires all licensed insurance producers to maintain an electronic mailing address specifically for regulatory purposes. This means official communications and service of process from the Insurance Commissioner will now be delivered via email. Producers, especially non-resident licensees, are responsible for regularly monitoring these designated email accounts. Failure to do so could lead to serious legal or administrative consequences.nnSection 26.1-26-33.1 mandates that insurance producers maintain an electronic mailing address and monitor it. Amendments to section 26.1-26-22 allow the Insurance Commissioner to serve process on non-resident producers via email, with service considered complete upon sending.nnState officials explain that this change streamlines regulatory communication. However, it also places a stronger emphasis on producers’ digital vigilance.nn### Stricter Rules for Nonresident LicensesnnThe legislation also expands the circumstances for revoking nonresident producer licenses. Under revisions to section 26.1-26-42.1, a nonresident license may be suspended or revoked without notice or hearing if the producer’s home state license is revoked, suspended, or past due. Notification will likely be sent via email or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) national producer database.nnThis streamlined process increases the importance for nonresident producers to maintain good standing in both their home state and in North Dakota.nn### Impact on Public AdjustersnnPublic adjusters are also affected by the bill, with modifications affecting license renewals, bonding requirements, and continuing education. The renewal notice period for public adjuster licenses extends from 60 to 90 days before expiration. Adjusters whose licenses lapse have a limited time (12 months for individuals, 30 days for business entities) to reinstate or renew without examination, often at increased fees.nnThe minimum bond requirement remains at $20,000, but termination of that bond must now be reported at least 30 days in advance, down from 60. Any lapse in financial responsibility will automatically terminate the adjuster’s authority to act. nnAdditionally, adjusters must complete 24 credit hours biennially, including three hours of ethics. Nonresident adjusters can meet these requirements by fulfilling their home state’s mandates.nn### Shift Towards Digital AccountabilitynnSenate Bill 2125 reflects the Insurance Commissioner’s efforts to modernize the state’s insurance industry oversight. It puts greater responsibility on producers and adjusters to comply with licensing, renewal, and educational demands. The move towards digital communication streamlines processes while reinforcing the significance of maintaining up-to-date compliance records.n”
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