(a) Whenever under the laws of this state a receiver is to be appointed in delinquency proceedings for an insurer domiciled in this state, the court shall appoint the commissioner as receiver. Upon the appointment, the court shall direct the receiver forthwith to take possession of the assets of the insurer and to administer them under the orders of the court.

(b) The domiciliary receiver and his or her successors in office shall be vested by operation of law with the title to all of the property, contracts, and rights of action, and all of the books and records of the insurer wherever located, as of the date of the order of his or her appointment, and he or she shall have the right to recover the same and reduce them to possession; except that ancillary receivers in reciprocal states shall have, as to assets located in their respective states, the rights and powers which are prescribed in this article for ancillary receivers appointed in this state as to assets located in this state. The filing or recording of the order appointing the receiver or certified copy thereof, in the office where instruments affecting title to property are required to be filed or recorded shall impart the same notice as would be imparted by a deed, bill of sale, or other evidence of title duly filed or recorded. The domiciliary receiver shall be responsible on his or her official bond for the proper administration of all assets coming into his or her possession or control.

(c) Upon taking possession of the assets of a delinquent insurer the domiciliary receiver shall, subject to the direction of the court, and in accordance with those procedures that the receiver may petition the court to establish, immediately proceed to conduct the business of the insurer or to take the steps authorized by the laws of this state for the purpose of liquidating, rehabilitating, reorganizing, or conserving the affairs of the insurer. In connection with delinquency proceedings, he or she may appoint one or more special deputy commissioners to act for him or her, and may employ clerks and assistants as he or she deems necessary. The compensation of the special deputies, clerks, or assistants and all expenses of taking possession of the delinquent insurer and of conducting the delinquency proceedings shall be fixed by the receiver, subject to the approval of the court, and shall be paid out of the funds or assets of the insurer. Within the limits of the duties imposed upon them, special deputies shall possess all the powers given to them, and, in the exercise of those powers, shall be subject to all of the duties imposed upon the receiver with respect to delinquency proceedings.

(Amended by Stats. 1995, Ch. 893, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1996.)