A. There is hereby created an office of policy, innovation, and research in the Department of Insurance under the direction of the deputy commissioner for policy, innovation, and research.

            B. The duties and functions of the office of policy, innovation, and research and the deputy commissioner for policy, innovation, and research shall be the following:

            (1) Research and development of policy proposals relative to the following:

            (a) Regulation of insurance.

            (b) Prevention and detection of insurance fraud.

            (c) Innovation in insurance products and technology.

            (d) Availability and affordability of insurance.

            (e) Healthcare and health insurance, including long-term care.

            (f) Property and casualty insurance, including issues related to disasters, building codes, highway safety, and the adjustment and payment of claims.

            (g) Life insurance and annuities.

            (h) Development and promotion of the insurance industry in this state.

            (2) Development and preparation of proposals for legislation, rules and regulations, and other administrative actions.

            (3) Participation in and liaison with the following organizations of which the commissioner of insurance is the representative of this state:

            (a) The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

            (b) The Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission (IIPRC).

            (c) The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS).

            (4) Monitoring the activities of the following, relative to insurance regulation:

            (a) Congress and federal agencies.

            (b) The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL).

            (c) The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

            (d) Other organizations that affect the regulation of insurance.

            (5) Other duties and functions assigned by the commissioner of insurance.

            C. In addition to the deputy commissioner of policy, innovation, and research, the commissioner of insurance may also employ such persons, including four unclassified employees, as necessary to carry out the provisions of this Section and to provide necessary staff support for the following entities:

            (1) The Louisiana Health Care Commission.

            (2) The Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority.

            (3) The Louisiana Property and Casualty Insurance Commission.

            Acts 2022, No. 159, §2, eff. May 25, 2022.