Monthly Archives: <span>February 2012</span>

Grade California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones marked his first full year in office last month by looking back on his and the California Department of Insurance’s accomplishments during 2011. Insurance Journal wants to know from those in the industry: Is Jones an …

Cellphone Driving Ban Nets 27 Violators in Helena

Police in Helena say they have issued 27 citations in a little over a month following a cellphone ban making it illegal to use hand-held electronic devices while driving or bicycling within city limits. Lt. Steve Hagen told the Independent …

Wells Will Determine Groundwater Contamination in Southern California

Thirty wells are being installed in Burbank and Glendale in an effort to determine the extent of groundwater contamination. Small amounts of cancer-causing chromium 6 left behind by the San Fernando Valley aircraft industry have been detected in local water …

UnitedHealth Pays $250K Penalty in Vermont Over Alleged Improper Ads

UnitedHealth Insurance Company has paid a $250,000 penalty in Vermont this month to resolve charges brought by financial regulators. The Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Health Care Administration (BISHCA) imposed the penalty on UnitedHealth as part of a …

Starr Cos. Hires ING Group Exec to Lead Starr Strategic Partners

Starr Companies appointed X. Rick Niu as senior managing director of Starr Strategic Partners, a newly formed division dedicated to serving the insurance and investment needs of Asian and other emerging market companies and individuals doing business in the U.S. …

AIG’s Chartis Appoints Head of New Claims, Operations Division

American International Group’s Chartis, its global P/C business, has placed its claims unit and operations and systems (O&S) unit under a single management team. Eric Martinez — appointed as executive vice president of global claims, operations and systems — will …

Mississippi Bar Owners Say Security Guard Proposal Goes Too Far

Hattiesburg nightclub and bar owners say many smaller nightspots would be put out of business by a proposal to require on-site parking lots and at least three guards at every bar. The City Council has scheduled a public meeting March …

Dealer Challenges Cincinnati’s Tough Scrap Metal Ordinance

A scrapyard has filed a lawsuit against Cincinnati, saying a new ordinance placing restrictions scrap metal sales will drive away customers. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the lawsuit filed by Garden Street Iron & Metal Inc. in U.S. District Court …

Florida Senate Leader Opposes Immunity for Lawmakers

The incoming Senate president is opposing a proposal that would allow state lawmakers to wrap themselves in absolute immunity from having to testify in lawsuits. The House Judiciary Committee cleared a Republican bill (PCB JDC 12-03) along party lines last …

Ex-NFL Players in Louisiana Sue League Over Concussions

Nearly a dozen former National Football League players living in Louisiana have sued the NFL, the latest players to accuse the league of failing to protect players from the risks associated with concussions. Several former New Orleans Saints players, including …