News Archive

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer’s bill to modernize how her office combats insurance fraud passed the state Senate on Tuesday, Feb. 17, by a unanimous vote of 49-0.

Senate Bill 6031 defines insurance fraud as its own crime — a Class B felony — in state law. The definition includes billing an insurance company or consumer for services not provided, impersonating others in insurance-related claims or transactions, and stealing insurance premium payments or premium financing loans.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Criminal…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington state Senate passed a bill Friday night to establish a voluntary wildfire mitigation grant program by a 37-11 vote.

Senate Bill 6079, requested by Washington state Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer and prime sponsored by Sen. Marcus Riccelli (D – Spokane), aims to reduce insurance policy non-renewals and cancellations due to wildfire risk. 

The bill would create the Strengthen Washington Homes grant program to fund wildfire mitigation measures based on the Insurance Institute of Home and Business Safety’s (IBHS) standards. It was one…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Legislation protecting preventive services passed the Washington state House of Representatives on Wednesday, Feb. 11, by a 57-39 vote. 

House Bill 2242, requested by Gov. Bob Ferguson and Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, maintains access to preventive services without cost-sharing for people who choose to use them. Washington residents have had access to no-cost preventive services since 2010.

“Many of these services help with early detection of serious medical issues. People who choose to use these benefits do so to help keep themselves and…

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer’s bill to provide consumers with more information about the wildfire risk scores impacting their home insurance passed out of the Washington state Senate on Wednesday, 48-1.

Kuderer called Senate Bill 5928, requested by her office and prime sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick (R – Moses Lake), a common-sense consumer protection bill.

“These wildfire risk scores are instrumental in a lot of homeowners finding coverage, but learning any of the specifics can be challenging,” Kuderer said. “If your home is being evaluated and…