2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 48.17.565: Insurance education providers — Violations — Costs awarded.

If an investigation of any provider culminates in a finding by the commissioner or by any court of competent jurisdiction, that the provider has failed to comply with or has violated any statute or regulation pertaining to insurance education, the provider shall pay the expenses reasonably attributable and allocable to such investigation.

     (1) The commissioner shall calculate such expenses and render a bill therefor by registered mail to the provider. Within thirty days after receipt of such bill, the provider shall pay the full amount to the commissioner. The commissioner shall transmit such payment to the state treasurer. The state treasurer shall credit the payment to the office of the insurance commissioner regulatory account, treating such payment as recovery of a prior expenditure.

     (2) In any action brought under this section, if the insurance commissioner prevails, the court may award to the office of the insurance commissioner all costs of the action, including a reasonable attorneys' fee to be fixed by the court.

[1989 c 323 § 4.]

Effective date -- 1989 c 323: See note following RCW 48.17.055.