Surety Bond News

There is a new depository bond law in the state of West Virginia called HB 4692. The law provides an alternative to the depository bond requirements for public funds belonging to the state. Existing law requires a $10,000 bond to be posted by eligible depositories. The new law allows such banking establishments to position deposits in certificates of deposit. The certificates of deposit requirements are outlined by the new law; this will make banking establishments qualified to use them in lieu of bonds.

SB 704 is a new law enacted in West Virginia which regulates viatical settlement providers and brokers. The law requires licensure and proof of financial accountability through a surety bond, cash, or cash equivalents. The bond must be $250,000 and from a surety company licensed in the state. The Commissioner of Insurance has the authority to waive the financial requirement if the applicant shows proof that an instrument has been filed within the applicant’s home state. The bond acquired would have to be in favor of the State; it would also have to sanction the Insurance Commissioner to make recovery for any individual in this state suffering damages that resulted from failure to act, faulty performance, conviction of fraud or conviction of deceitful methods of the viatical settlement provider or agent. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners model legislation is the reason for the up rise of this new law.