DOI proposes legislation to create insurance pool to combat wildfire risks
On January 15th the Idaho House business committee voted to print HB17 (RS31831), which would create an insurance pool to help mitigate increased fire risks. Director Dean Cameron who proposed the insurance pool, explained the tightening insurance market we are seeing in Idaho. The Department has since been working with legislators and industry on adjustments to the bill. We will keep you informed on the progress and next steps.
Watch: "Idaho lawmakers consider insurance pool to combat wildfire risks"
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Director Cameron attends Gov. Little's press conference to update Idahoans on protections against wildfire
Governor Brad Little held a press conference on January 17th to update Idahoans on the many ways Idaho is working to ensure our state does not experience tragic wildfire events like the ones raging in southern California this month. Director Cameron spoke at the press conference to announce the DOI's legislation that was introduced to protect Idaho homeowners, address instability in the property insurance market, and ensure ratepayers – all Idahoans – are not strapped with higher bills after a fire event.
Press release: “Not California:” Gov. Little updates Idahoans on protections against wildfire
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Director Cameron discusses wildfires and insurance on Idaho Reports
Wildfire season is getting longer, and home insurance companies are noticing. On January 17, Idaho Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron appeared on Idaho Public Television's "Idaho Reports" to discuss how wildfires are changing the home insurance industry.
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The Ranch Podcast
Director Cameron was interviewed on “The Ranch Podcast” to discuss property insurance, wildfires and legislation that could assist in addressing the issue. He did a fantastic job of explaining how our department is again standing up for and supporting consumers.
Watch on YouTube | Audio only
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DOI 2025 Legislative Agenda
HB 71 — Improvements to the Legislative Holding Act
- Purpose is to protect Idahoans from insolvencies of insurers owned by a holding company, especially foreign-owned.
- Group Capital and Liquidity Stress Testing are universally recognized standards. These put Idaho on the same playing field as other States and Nations, allowing our insurers and agents to transact the same as their peers, and for Idaho’s authority to be reciprocated.
- Required for Idaho to continue to be accredited. Accreditation helps reduce the regulatory overhead of Idaho-domiciled insurance companies and Idaho insurance agents. It helps us retain insurers and their jobs in Idaho. If Idaho were not accredited, other states may enforce their laws and standards on Idaho insurers and agents.
- Many reinsurers and large insurers (including Farmers Insurance Company of Idaho) have foreign holdings or activities. Without these improvements, they may exit Idaho’s marketplace because of inadequate standards. Adding these may help us attract more insurers and reinsurers to Idaho, as most states have passed these improvements.
- We do not know of any opposition. Industry supports.
HB 17 — Wildfire Risk Mitigation Pool and Stabilization Act
- The purpose is two-fold:
- To create a pool that will help Idahoans harden their homes against wildfires.
- To improve access to affordable homeowners’ coverage.
- Similar approaches have been successful in other states, especially the Southeast, guarding against hurricanes.
- The bill has several funding sources designed to avoid negative impact on the general fund.
- Like our health insurance high-risk pool, the bill establishes a board to explore additional options to stabilize the market.
- We are not aware of opposition. Industry supports the mitigation pool and is neutral on other potential future approaches, which have not yet been developed.
RS31816 - Data Security Act
- With the ever-increasing threat of data breaches and personal information being gathered, the bill establishes insurance-industry standards for reporting breaches and standards for the protection of personal information.
- The bill is designed to protect Idahoans while not being a burden on the industry.
- The proposal only impacts insurance companies and agencies with more than 50 employees.
- National breaches, such as the Change Healthcare breach, will be reported more quickly to protect Idaho citizens from further harm.
- Unaware of any opposition. Industry supports or is neutral.
HB 72 — Risk Mitigation Devices
- Modifies the statute to make it clear that providing risk mitigation devices like fitness trackers or water/leak detection devices, for free or at reduced cost with the purchase of insurance products would NOT be a violation of the insurance Unfair Trade Practices Act.
- Unaware of any opposition. Industry supports.
RS31818 — Repeal of the Small Employer Reinsurance Program
- Since the passage of the ACA, strategies for small employer-sponsored coverage have shifted and this program is no longer used or needed.
- The program’s statutes require an annual assessment on insurers to pay for an audit of the previous year’s assessment.
- The repeal will reduce costs to the insurers and eliminate unnecessary expense and work.
- Unaware of any opposition. Industry supports.
View and download the DOI's agenda for the 2025 Idaho Legislature here.
Meridian insurance agent sentenced for fraudulently submitting false auto policies
On January 28, the DOI announced today that Cory Fuller of Meridian, Idaho pleaded guilty and has been convicted of one count of felony insurance fraud.
Read the full press release here
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New Deputy State Fire Marshal for North Idaho
Welcome to the newest Deputy State Fire Marshal, Debbie Carpenter. Debbie joins our team after the legislators approved additional staff in 2024 to better serve the citizens of Idaho.
Debbie has been heavily involved in the fire service for the past 30 years, beginning her career with the Carrollton Fire and Rescue in Texas, where she worked up through the ranks to assistant fire chief. Debbie also served as fire chief with the Spirit Lake Fire District in Idaho before joining our team.
In addition to an impressive list of certifications and credentials, Debbie holds a Master's Degree in Public Safety and a graduate of Texas A&M's Fire Service Chief Executive Officer program.
Debbie has been assigned to Region I (North Idaho), covering from Idaho County to Boundary County.
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Bellevue fire caused by improper use of multi-tap plug
The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office has determined that the cause of a home fire in Bellevue, Idaho on January 18 was due to the improper use of a multi-plug extension that was being used in conjunction of a portable space heater. The multi-tap plug, known as a relocatable power tap, was also plugged into an additional extension cord, which is dangerous. The multi-tap was purchased from an online store and was not UL Listed (i.e. had not passed safety tests and did not meet nationally recognized standards for safety and sustainability).
Damage to the home was significant and it is no longer habitable. The State Fire Marshal’s Office reminds all Idahoans to never connect extension cords to power space heaters. Space heaters must be plugged directly into outlets and always kept at least 3 feet away from anything combustible. Idahoans are also reminded to always look for a UL marking or other nationally recognized laboratory to ensure electrical appliances have been tested to the highest safety standards to prevent a tragedy.
Photo credit: Wood River Fire and Rescue
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