Effective 28 Aug 2007

354.350. Fraudulent or bad faith conduct — investigation by division — hearing, procedure. — 1. It is unlawful for any corporation subject to the provisions of sections 354.010 to 354.380 transacting business in this state to:

(1) Conduct its business fraudulently;

(2) Fail to carry out its contracts in good faith; or

(3) Habitually and as a matter of business practice compel claimants under policies or liability judgment creditors of its members to either accept less than the amount due under the terms of the policy or resort to litigation against the corporation to secure payment of the amount due.

2. If the director determines that a person has engaged, is engaging in, or has taken a substantial step toward engaging in an act, practice or course of business constituting a violation of this section or a rule adopted or order issued pursuant thereto or that a person has materially aided or is materially aiding an act, practice, omission, or course of business constituting a violation of this section or a rule adopted or order issued pursuant thereto, the director may issue such administrative orders as authorized under section 374.046. Each practice in violation of this section is a level two violation under section 374.049. Each act as a part of a practice does not constitute a separate violation under section 374.049. The director may also suspend or revoke the license or certificate of authority of a corporation subject to the provisions of sections 354.010 to 354.380 or enrollment representative for any such willful violation.

3. If the director believes that a person has engaged, is engaging in, or has taken a substantial step toward engaging in an act, practice or course of business constituting a violation of this section or a rule adopted or order issued pursuant thereto or that a person has materially aided or is materially aiding an act, practice, omission, or course of business constituting a violation of this section or a rule adopted or order issued pursuant thereto, the director may maintain a civil action for relief authorized under section 374.048. Each practice in violation of this section is a level two violation under section 374.049. Each act as a part of a practice does not constitute a separate violation under section 374.049.

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(L. 1983 H.B. 127, A.L. 2007 S.B. 66)