STREAMLINING THE INSURANCE LICENSURE PROCESS
By Commissioner Vicki Schmidt
In 2017 , the Kansas Legislature passed a bill requiring applicants for insurance licenses to be fingerprinted and undergo a background check . This addition significantly changed the licensing process , as did COVID . Since taking office , I have challenged staff to help streamline the licensing process by any means possible and I am proud of the progress we have made to make it easier for agents to get licensed and renew their license : like to discuss . You can contact me via email at KID . Commissioner @ ks . gov or our new legislative director , Eric Turek at 785.296.2461 or Eric . L . Turek @ ks . gov .
Thank you for taking the time to read this update . I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday season !
1 . Implemented livescan fingerprinting ( sent directly to the KBI ) at three PearsonVUE locations in Kansas to help expedite the fingerprinting process for applicants . Most recently , Department staff has been working to expand access to livescan fingerprinting to other areas of the state . As of today , we have 18 additional locations , which will shave a number of days off the time it takes for fingerprinting / background checks .
2 . Passed SB37 , overhauling the licensing process and shifting operations online to NIPR to allow Kansas resident license holders a one-stop shop for licensing .
3 . Established online exam testing with PearsonVUE to provide better access to exams in every part of the state .
4 . Reducing the fingerprinting fee from $ 60 to $ 50 , which will go into effect on January 1 , 2023 .
5 . Seeking flexibility to reduce license application fees , in statute , during the 2023 Legislative Session .
As always , it is an honor to serve you and the Kansas insurance industry . As we approach the 2023 legislative session , please feel free to reach out to me or the Department if you have any legislative matters you would independentagent . com / flood
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