ORS 735.215: Findings prior to formation of joint underwriting association; hearing.

(1) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may mandate the formation of a joint underwriting association under ORS 735.220 if after directing the formation of a market assistance plan and allowing it a reasonable time to alleviate insurance availability problems, the director finds that: (a) There exist in Oregon certain businesses or service providers for which no commercial liability insurance is available; and (b) There is a need in Oregon for the goods or services provided by these businesses or service providers and the lack of available commercial liability insurance will cause a substantial number of the entities to cease operations within the state. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if the lack of availability of insurance is due to legitimate insurance underwriting considerations, including past claims experience, licensing noncompliance or inadequate risk management, formation of a joint underwriting association shall not be appropriate. (3) The director may make the findings required under subsection (1) of this section only after conducting a public hearing according to the applicable provisions of ORS chapter 183. The director must specify the specific classes of business or lines of insurance determined to be unavailable. (4) At least once each year, the director shall hold a public hearing to determine if the classes of business or lines of insurance offered by the joint underwriting association are still unavailable in the voluntary insurance market. If any class or line is found to be available, the joint underwriting association shall cease to underwrite such class of business or line of insurance. [1987 c.774 §76]