<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".05" citation="COMAR 31.03.12.05" title_num="31" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="12" heading="Review of Application.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>In General. On receipt of an application for written consent and the required accompanying information, the Commissioner shall review the application and information in accordance with this regulation to determine if the applicant should be granted written consent to engage in the business of insurance in the State.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Notification of NAIC Members.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>On receipt of an application for written consent, the Commissioner shall notify all other members of the NAIC that an application for written consent has been filed, identifying:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The name, address, and Social Security number of the applicant; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The types of insurance activities to be conducted by the applicant.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Commissioner shall allow at least 30 days for other members of the NAIC to respond with any relevant information about the applicant.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Standard of Review.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Commissioner shall determine if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The applicant has been fully rehabilitated and no longer poses a risk or threat to insurance consumers or insurers; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The issuance of written consent to the applicant is consistent with the public interest, federal and Maryland law, and any applicable court orders.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The Commissioner may grant written consent only if the mitigating circumstances clearly and substantially outweigh the seriousness of the applicant's criminal history together with any other aggravating circumstances.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>In reviewing an application for written consent, the factors considered by the Commissioner shall include:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The interest in protecting property and the safety and welfare of consumers, businesses, and the general public;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The nature and severity of the act for which the applicant was convicted;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>The date of the conviction;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>The injury or loss caused by the act for which the applicant was convicted;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Whether the conviction is related to the business of insurance;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Whether the applicant completed a parole or probation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Whether the applicant has been charged with, indicted for, or convicted of any other crimes;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>Any evidence of the applicant's rehabilitation, including:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Good conduct in prison or in the community;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Counseling or psychiatric treatment received;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Acquisition of additional academic or vocational training;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>Successful participation in correctional work-release programs; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>The recommendation of individuals who have had the applicant under their supervision;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(i)">
        <text>The nature and strength of any character references;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(j)">
        <text>The applicant's business and personal record before and after commission of the crime;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(k)">
        <text>Whether and to what extent the applicant has made material false statements in an application, renewal, or other document filed with the Commissioner; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(l)">
        <text>Whether and to what extent the applicant has made material false statements in applications or other documents filed with other state or federal agencies.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Additional Information.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Commissioner may request any additional documents or information that the Commissioner considers necessary to determine if an applicant should be granted written consent to engage in the business of insurance in Maryland.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the Commissioner requests additional documents or information, the applicant shall submit the documents or information to the Commissioner within 30 days after receiving the request.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If an applicant fails to submit the requested documents or information to the Commissioner within 30 days, the application of the applicant shall be considered withdrawn.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Verification of Duties. The Commissioner may verify with the applicant's employer or prospective employer the duties that the applicant will be performing for the employer.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>