February 2025

A monthly newsletter brought to you by
the Idaho Department of Insurance

State leadership planning for ways to combat wildfires

In the February 14, 2025 issue of the Idaho Business Review, Director Cameron, Idaho Office of Emergency Management Director Brad Richy, Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources Rich Stover, and Idaho Department of Lands Director Dustin Miller discuss state efforts to combat wildfires and its effects.

Idaho Business Review: "State leadership planning for ways to combat wildfires"

DOI announces three insurance fraud convictions in February The Investigations Section actively investigates, refers for prosecution, and seeks restitution from those who commit insurance fraud, a felony that can result in a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine. Whatever its form, insurance fraud is a crime that impacts everyone by increasing the cost of insurance premiums and related goods and services. Nampa insurance agent sentenced for fraudulently changing consumers’ Medicare Advantage plans Oneida County man convicted of insurance fraud Nampa woman convicted of insurance fraud for false disability claim

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.
• 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, Idaho insurers and agents would lose reciprocity and would be regulated by other states.
• Awaiting debate on the Senate Floor

HB 17  — Wildfire Risk Mitigation Fund and Interim Committee

• The purpose is to create a fund that will help Idahoans harden their homes
  against wildfires which will 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.
• The Interim Committee would hear from Idahoans and evaluate options for
  stabilizing the property insurance market.
• Awaiting replacement bill(s) in House Business Committee

HB 117 — Data Security Act

• The bill is designed to protect Idahoans from data breach by asking carriers to
  report a breach.
• 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.
• Hearing scheduled on March 7th in House Business Committee

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.
• Awaiting additional hearing in House Business Committee

HB 116 — Idaho Small Carrier Reinsurance Program

• This legislation repeals the Idaho Small Carrier Reinsurance Program.
• The program has no active carrier members and is no longer necessary.
• Awaiting debate on the Senate Floor

View and download the DOI's agenda for the 2025 Idaho Legislature here.

Fire Inspection 101 at Southern Idaho Fire Academy The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office taught Fire Inspection 101 at the Southern Idaho Fire Academy this month. Student learned about the adopted fire code, what to look for when conducting fire inspections, and effective methods to gain voluntary compliance.

The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to equitably, effectively and efficiently administer the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code.

Idaho Department of Insurance

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Boise, ID 83702

(208) 334-4250

For more information visit doi.idaho.gov.