40-2,204. Claims handling operations; prohibition on imposition of restrictions or enforcement of local licensing or registration ordinances during a catastrophic event. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, at the time of any catastrophic event threatening life or property, no political subdivision shall impose restrictions or enforce local licensing or registration ordinances with respect to an insurer's claims handling operations.

(b) Any insurer establishing claims handling operations pursuant to this section shall provide notice to a city or county prior to establishing such operations.

(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a political subdivision from exercising its police power when necessary to preserve public health and welfare, including, but not limited to, enforcing building, zoning and fire safety codes.

(d) As used in this section:

(1) "Claims handling operations" includes, but is not limited to, the establishment of a base of operations on a temporary basis, not to exceed six months, by an insurer within the disaster area and the investigation and handling of claims by personnel authorized by any such insurer; and

(2) "insurer" means an insurance company as defined in K.S.A. 40-201, and amendments thereto.

History: L. 2018, ch. 15, § 1; July 1.