Washington News

Builders’ Lobby Sponsors Washington Workers’ Comp Initiative

A politically active construction-industry group wants voters to decide whether Washington’s workers’ compensation system should face private competition, a move opposed by organized labor and top Democratic lawmakers. The Building Industry Association of Washington has filed paperwork for an initiative …

TV Networks, Talent Firm Reach $70 Million Settlement With Older Writers

Seventeen major television networks and production studios and seven talent agencies have reached a $70 million settlement of complaints brought by 165 writers aged 40 or older who alleged age discrimination. Approximately two-thirds of the $70 million settlement payment will …

Washington to Tackle Credit Scoring, Streamline Agent/Broker Licensing

Bills to ban the use of credit scoring, streamline the licensing of agents and brokers, and improve health care are all on Washington’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s (OIC) legislative agenda for 2010. Among the proposed changes: Credit scoring: The …

Labor & Industries: Washington’s Workers’ Comp System Is Sound

Characterizations by a recent Washington State Auditor’s report on the state’s workers’ compensation insurance system has the state Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) worried that people will incorrectly believe that the system will become insolvent. The report, which audited …

Will Gay Marriage Bring Marketing Opportunities for Agents?

The Market Is Huge, but Some Independents Say It’s Difficult In business, change brings opportunity. And when it comes to the rapid wave of states that have recently legalized gay marriage, some see a marketing opportunity in selling insurance products …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Home Builders & Artisans Contractor’s GL Market Detail: Northern Star Management offers access to a …

West Virginians Producing Film on Dangers of Texting While Driving

Several young adults from West Virginia are starring in a new educational film on the dangers of distracted driving that is to be released this spring. Charleston, West Virginia-based MotionMasters is producing the film, “Deadly Driving Distractions,” for Films Media …

U.S. Senate Vote Dims Hopes for Stronger World Climate Pact

Hopes for stronger world action in 2010 to curb climate change have dimmed after the U.S. Democrats lost a key Senate seat to a Republican opposed to capping emissions, experts said Wednesday. The election of Republican Scott Brown, an opponent …

Washington Commissioner, Insurers Debate Credit Scoring Use

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is seeking to prohibit the use of credit history, education and income for rating and underwriting personal insurance — the effect of which would likely result in higher costs for consumers and less accuracy in …

Republican Win in Massachusetts Could Jeopardize Healthcare Bill

In a stunning blow to President Barack Obama, Republican Scott Brown won a bitter U.S. Senate race in Massachusetts Tuesday and promised to be the deciding vote against his sweeping healthcare overhaul. Brown’s win robbed Democrats of the crucial 60th …