(a) Whenever the commissioner has reason to believe that an insurance institution, agent or insurance-support organization has been engaged or is engaging in conduct in this state which violates this chapter, or if the commissioner believes that an insurance-support organization has been engaged or is engaging in conduct outside this state which has an effect on a resident of this state and which violates sections 38a-975 to 38a-998, inclusive, the commissioner shall issue and serve upon such insurance institution, agent or insurance-support organization a statement of the charges and a notice of a hearing to be held at a time and place fixed in the notice. The date of such hearing shall not be less than thirty days after the date of service.

(b) At the time and place fixed for such hearing, the insurance institution, agent or insurance-support organization shall have an opportunity to answer the charges against it and present evidence on its own behalf. Upon good cause shown, the commissioner shall permit any adversely affected person to intervene, appear and be heard at such hearing by counsel or in person.

(c) At any hearing conducted pursuant to this section, the commissioner may administer oaths, examine and cross-examine witnesses and receive oral and documentary evidence. The commissioner shall have the power to subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance and require the production of books, papers, records, correspondence or other documents that the commissioner deems relevant to the hearing. A stenographic record of the hearing shall be made upon the request of any party or at the discretion of the commissioner. If no stenographic record is made and if judicial review is sought, the commissioner shall prepare a statement of the evidence for use on review. Hearings conducted under this section shall be governed by the same rules of evidence and procedure applicable to administrative proceedings conducted under the insurance laws of this state.

(d) Statements of charges, notices, orders and other processes of the commissioner under sections 38a-975 to 38a-998, inclusive, may be served in the manner provided by law for service of process in civil actions or by registered mail. A copy of the statement of charges, notice, order or other process shall be provided to the person whose rights under said sections have been allegedly violated. A verified return specifying the manner of service, or return receipt in the case of registered mail, shall be sufficient proof of service.

(P.A. 81-368, S. 16, 25; P.A. 99-284, S. 20, 60.)

History: Sec. 38-515 transferred to Sec. 38a-990 in 1991; P.A. 99-284 substituted “the commissioner” for “he” and “that” for “which” and made a technical change, effective July 1, 2000.