A bill that would make the Pennsylvania insurance
commissioner an elected position has been introduced in the state's House of
Representatives.
Currently, the insurance commissioner job in Pennsylvania
is an appointed position. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Neal Goodman
(D-Mahoning City), would limit an elected commissioner to holding no more than
two consecutive, four-year terms. It would also block a commissioner from
holding a position with an insurance company within four years after his or her
exit from office.
Connecticut is also currently reviewing legislation that
would make the position of insurance commissioner an elected one.
According to the Insurance Journal, only 11 states elect
their commissioners. In most cases, chief insurance regulators are appointed
either directly by a state's governor or group controlled by a governor.
Historically, states that have elected commissioners tend
to be substantially more receptive and responsive to the needs of consumers and
are less likely to rubber-stamp insurers' activity as acceptable.