"This bill will prevent insurance salespeople from engaging in deceptive sales practices that harm seniors by creating a penalty for this conduct," Haine said. "This is a measure that has my full support."

"The vast majority of our insurance agents are honest and competent and this is to go after those who are scamming," Haine added. "This measure was brought to us by those same insurance agents and has their support. We simply want to remove the bad apples."

Senate Bill 1607 prohibits insurance providers from using a certification or professional designation which has not actually been earned, using a certification that the insurance provider has issued to itself, or using recognitions granted by marketing firms.

"Insurance companies will no longer be able to use designations issued by marketing organizations or falsely claim special certification to entice senior clients or potential senior clients and wrongly get a leg-up on their competition," Haine stated.

Under the terms of this bill, if an insurance provider is found to be in violation of this provision, the Department of Insurance, at its discretion, may issue a cease and desist order against that particular insurance provider.

"This bill will stop these tactics, level the playing field, and ensure that seniors are negotiated with in good faith," Haine added.

Senate Bill 1607 passed the Insurance Committee unanimously and awaits action on the Senate floor.