Insurance - Hearing Representation

This bill updates Maryland insurance laws to allow small business entities to represent themselves in hearings with the Insurance Commissioner without hiring an attorney. To qualify, a business must prove it employs fewer than 50 people and designate an employee, such as an officer or partner, who holds a sworn power of attorney to speak on the company's behalf. The law explicitly prohibits businesses from contracting with other companies to provide these representation services and restricts the designated representative from being a lawyer who is currently disbarred or suspended. Additionally, the legislation clarifies rules for public access to hearings, permits virtual participation when necessary, and outlines procedures for obtaining official records of the proceedings.