33-23-514. Stabilization reserve fund. - Montana Statutes

     33-23-514. Stabilization reserve fund. (1) The commissioner shall establish a stabilization reserve fund.
     (2) (a) Each policyholder shall pay to the association a stabilization reserve fund charge equal to 15% of each premium payment due for insurance through the association. The stabilization reserve fund charge must be stated separately in the policy and is payable with each premium payment. The association shall cancel the policy of any policyholder who fails to pay the premium stabilization reserve fund charge.
     (b) The stabilization reserve fund charge does not constitute a part of the premium and is not subject to premium taxation, servicing fees, acquisition costs, commissions, or any other charges. The stabilization reserve fund charge may not be considered a premium for the purpose of any assessments levied under 33-23-521.
     (3) (a) The association shall collect and administer the stabilization reserve fund charge. The stabilization reserve fund charge must be treated as a liability of the association along with and in the same manner as premium and loss reserves.
     (b) All money received by the stabilization reserve fund must be held in trust by a corporate trustee selected by the association. The corporate trustee may invest the money held in trust, subject to the approval of the association. All investment income must be credited to the stabilization reserve fund. All expenses of administration of the stabilization reserve fund must be charged against the fund. The money held in trust may be used only for the purpose of recoupment of any deficit sustained by the association, as provided in 33-23-513.
     (c) Collections of the stabilization reserve fund charge continue throughout each calendar year for which the fund is established. However, a charge may not be assessed:
     (i) during the next succeeding calendar year if the net balance in the stabilization reserve fund after recoupment of any prior year's deficit equals or exceeds the association's estimate of the projected sum of premiums to be written in the calendar year following the valuation date of the fund; or
     (ii) in any year in which a premium contingency assessment is collected, as provided in 33-23-515.
     (4) The stabilization reserve fund charge is not refundable if the policy is canceled after the 90th day of coverage.
     (5) Upon dissolution of the association as provided in 33-23-508(5), the commissioner shall order that any funds remaining in the stabilization reserve fund be reimbursed to the policyholders in proportion to the amounts of the stabilization reserve fund charges paid by the policyholders.

     History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 475, L. 2005.