Matt Lesser

Lesser Applauds Insurance Commissioner’s Decision
to Implement Spanish Language Insurance Licensing Exams

HARTFORD, CT – Today, State Senator and Insurance and Real Estate Committee co-chair Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) joined State Representatives Chris Rosario (D-Bridgeport), his fellow co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee Representative Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford) and Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais to announce the implementation of a Spanish language version of the insurance producer licensing exam.

Beginning on October 1, 2019, insurance producers will have the option of taking licensing examinations in Spanish.

House Bill 6091, introduced by Rep. Rosario this session, called for the Insurance Commissioner to offer English and Spanish language versions of insurance producer licensing exams administered to certain applicants for licenses.

In working with legislators, Commissioner Mais found that it would be quicker to implement this important goal administratively. Sen. Lesser said this decision will greatly benefit our state.

“Spanish speaking residents of Connecticut need access to insurance just as much as every other resident – as homeowners, drivers, health care consumers and small business people,” said Sen. Lesser. “This initiative is good for business, it’s good for Connecticut’s residents, and it’s good for our economy. I’m thrilled, as co-Chair of the Insurance Committee – but also as the son of a Spanish-speaking immigrant from South America – that Commissioner Mais is taking the lead on this initiative. I also want to thank Rep. Chris Rosario for proposing this legislation to begin with.”

“I thank and commend Commissioner Mais for his initiative and willingness to implement the Spanish language exams without the need for legislation,” Rep. Rosario said. “This measure will open doors for those seeking to acquire their licenses and will increase services to a segment of the population that can benefit from Spanish speaking agents.”

“I want to thank Rep. Rosario for introducing this bill and Commissioner Mais for his leadership in proactively making this common sense change. Offering licensing examinations in the second most commonly spoken language in Connecticut will lead to more professional opportunities and better customer service for Spanish speakers across our state and that’s something we are proud to celebrate today,” said Rep. Scanlon.

“I am pleased to stand with my legislative colleagues in announcing this important initiative. Inclusion is a core value for Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz. Inclusion in insurance is important to both me and the Connecticut Insurance Department and this is just one example of how we can continue to be inclusive to both insurance producers and insurance consumers in Connecticut,” Commissioner Mais said.