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Letter from Karen Schutter, Executive Director
Greetings from the Compact! It’s a bit of a “planting season” at the Compact right now, with several initiatives in active notice and comment periods with plenty of opportunities to weigh in before decisions begin to take root later this year. This issue offers a helpful grounding—bringing together the key activities, opportunities for engagement, and upcoming milestones shaping the months ahead.
We are also gearing up for our next in person Compact Roundtable on Wednesday, July 15, from 12:00–3:00 p.m. ET, which we are holding in conjunction with the NCOIL Summer Meeting. These Roundtables have become known for candid, high value discussion, and this session will build on that track record with an even sharper focus on meaningful exchange and shared problem solving. We strongly encourage regulators, industry, consumer representatives, and other stakeholders, especially those already planning to attend the NCOIL Summer Meeting, to make time for this event. Space is limited, so don’t miss the opportunity to take part! Please RSVP by June 8 via the Compact Roundtable Form.
We also want to call attention to several important initiatives that are currently open for formal notice, comment, or submission, with multiple deadlines fast approaching in June. Building on work discussed at last month’s Joint Meeting of the Management Committee and Commission, the Compact is actively seeking stakeholder input on proposed amendments to accidental death benefit standards, a proposed interim review operating procedure, and a Product Standards Committee recommendation regarding waiver of surrender charge triggers. In addition, the annual 2027 Uniform Standards Development process is now open for submissions. Like spring flower planting, these engagement windows are open for a limited time, and stakeholder feedback plays a critical role in shaping Compact outcomes—now is the time to review the materials and take part. You’ll find additional information and links elsewhere in this issue.
Lastly, the Compact Office will soon offer training for designated representatives, those individuals selected by a state’s commissioner, director, or superintendent to serve as their proxy during Commission meetings. These sessions will provide an overview of Compact processes, clarify the role and responsibilities of designated representatives, and highlight where to find key Compact information, with time built in for questions. This training will be open to all designated representatives, whether newly appointed or seeking a refresher. Stay tuned for additional details, including dates and registration information, in the coming weeks.
We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our members, and we are here to provide whatever support they need.
Member Corner
For this edition, we profile Hawaii Insurance Commissioner Scott Saiki!
Scott Saiki was appointed as Hawaii’s 34th Insurance Commissioner on July 16, 2025, a role that has existed since 1903.
In this position, Commissioner Saiki oversees the Hawaii Insurance Division, which includes 10 branches and 95 staff. The Insurance Division’s duties include handling consumer inquiries, regulating the market, investigating fraud, and approving insurance rates.
The Insurance Division has recently focused on stabilizing Hawaii’s property insurance market. Working with Gov. Josh Green, the Legislature, and the local insurance and financial industries, the Insurance Division helped restart the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF) and expand the Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA). Both programs aim to increase the availability of hurricane and non-hurricane property insurance for residential condominiums.
Before his appointment, Commissioner Saiki served in the House of Representatives and was House speaker from 2017 to 2024. He has also worked as an attorney in the private sector.
Commissioner Saiki earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the William S. Richardson School of Law (Honolulu, HI) and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hawaii-Manoa.
Committee Updates
Product Standards Committee
The Product Standards Committee (PSC) met on March 31 (public call) and April 7 (regulator only call) to consider amendments to certain individual annuity standards and advance additional work items.
During the March 31 public call, the PSC received oral comments on proposed amendments to:
- Section 3(R)(4) of the Individual Immediate Non Variable Annuity Contract Standard, clarifying how dividends used to purchase additional income benefits may be determined; and
- The Individual Deferred Paid Up Non Variable Annuity Contract Standards, including revisions addressing classifications for contracts expected to pay dividends and those not expected to pay dividends.
Industry representatives explained the rationale for aligning dividend related language across standards, including concerns related to state specific statutory requirements.
At the April 7 regulator only meeting, the PSC reviewed the record from the public call. With no regulatory objections raised, both sets of annuity amendments were finalized for recommendation to the Management Committee.
The PSC also reviewed draft amendment language responding to Colorado’s request regarding the use of gender as a rating characteristic for long term care insurance, agreed the draft was technically sufficient, and directed the Compact Office to proceed with a public exposure of the proposed language. The next public call is scheduled for May 12.
Actuarial Working Group
The Actuarial Working Group (AWG) held two regulator only calls on April 14 and April 27 to restart its work and begin review of a draft Uniform Standard addressing bonus benefits in individual adjustable life insurance products. During the April 14 introductory call, the AWG outlined a full slate of work for the year, selecting the draft bonus standard as an initial, priority focus. Discussion centered on the types of bonus features currently seen in Compact filings, including persistency bonuses, interest bonuses, account value enhancements, and surrender charge waivers.
During the April 27 call, the AWG conducted a deeper actuarial review of the draft standard, focusing on how guaranteed bonus features should be evaluated for nonforfeiture compliance. Members discussed the treatment of charges associated with bonus features, the distinction between guaranteed and discretionary bonuses, and potential consumer and policy concerns raised by certain designs.
Key Deadlines to Watch
Don’t miss these opportunities to submit comments or requests before the upcoming deadlines.
Proposed Accidental Death Benefit Ratio Amendments
The Compact is accepting comments on proposed amendments addressing the permissible ratio of all cause death benefits to accidental death benefits, including clarification for graded death benefits.
Comment deadline: June 1, 2026
More information: Compact online Docket
How to comment: Email written comments to comments@insurancecompact.org
Proposed Interim Review Operating Procedure
A proposed Operating Procedure would establish a limited process allowing filers to request review of certain interpretive issues during the review of a product filing, in addition to appeal rights after disposition.
Comment deadline: June 1, 2026
More information: Compact online Docket
How to comment: Email written comments to comments@insurancecompact.org
2027 Uniform Standards Development Process – Request for Submissions
The Compact has opened the 2027 Uniform Standards Development process and is inviting requests for new or amended Uniform Standards for PSC consideration.
Submission deadline: June 30, 2026
More information: Priority List for Uniform Standards Development page
How to comment: Submit the Request Form for New or Amended Uniform Standards webform (one request per form)
Recommendation Not to Expand Waiver of Surrender Charge Triggers
The Product Standards Committee has recommended not expanding waiver of surrender charge triggers (such as financial hardship or natural disasters) for individual annuity products and is requesting feedback on that recommendation.
Comment deadline: June 1, 2026
More information: Commission Officers and Management Committee webpage (under Exposure Drafts)
How to comment: Email written comments to comments@insurancecompact.org
Compact Product Filing Statistics
as of March 31, 2026