(a) If the insurer, organization, group, or association does not make those changes as may be necessary to correct the noncompliance specified in the notice issued under Section 1858.1, or if the insurer, organization, group, or association has failed to establish to the satisfaction of the commissioner that the noncompliance does not exist, the commissioner shall hold a public hearing by mailing a notice to that insurer, organization, group, or association not less than 30 days prior to the date set for hearing specifying the matters to be considered at the hearing.

(b) In the event that the insurer and complainant resolve the matter and the insurer has consented to a rating modification, then that modification shall apply to other policyholders underwritten by the insurer for that class of insurance.

(c) If the insurer, organization, group, or association has refused to enter into informal conciliation at the request of the commissioner, the commissioner may hold a public hearing, whether or not the complaint was accompanied by a request for a public hearing, by mailing a notice to the insurer, organization, group, or association not less than 30 days prior to the date set for hearing specifying the matters to be considered at the hearing.

(d) If a hearing noticed under subdivisions (a) and (c) is based upon a complaint made pursuant to Section 1858, the commissioner shall also mail notice to the complainant not less than 30 days prior to the date set for hearing specifying the matters to be considered at the hearing.

(e) If upon sufficient complaint as provided in Section 1858 and upon review and investigation of the complaint, the commissioner has good cause to believe that the insurer, organization, group, or association, or any rate, rating plan, or rating system made or used by that insurer or rating organization, does not comply with the requirements and standards of this chapter applicable to it, the commissioner shall hold a public hearing by mailing a notice to the complainant and to the insurer, organization, group, or association not less than 30 days prior to the date set for hearing specifying the matters to be considered at the hearing.

(f) Within 60 days of submission of a matter for decision following a public hearing thereon pursuant to this section, the commissioner shall issue his or her decision or order.

(g) With respect to public hearings under this section, the commissioner may at his or her discretion, grant preference to a hearing in which the complainant has reached the age of 70 years.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 1176, Sec. 1.)