J. MILLARD TAWES, Governor                      985

(2) "Department" means the State Insurance Department of
Maryland.

6.    "Domestic", "Foreign", "Alien" Insurer and "State" Defined.

(1)   A "domestic" insurer is one formed under the laws of this
State.

(2)   A "foreign" insurer is one formed under the laws of any
jurisdiction other than this State.

(3)   An "alien" insurer is one formed under the laws of any coun-
try or jurisdiction other than the United States of America, its
states, districts, territories, and commonwealths.

(4)   Except where distinguished by context, "foreign" insurer
includes also an "alien" insurer.

(5)   When used in context signifying a jurisdiction other than
the State of Maryland, "state" means a state, District of Columbia,
territory, commonwealth or possession of the United States of
America.

7.    "Authorized", "Unauthorized" Insurer Defined.

(1)   An "authorized" insurer is one duly authorized, by subsisting
certificate of authority issued by the Commissioner, to engage in the
insurance business in this State.

(2)   An "unauthorized" insurer is one not so authorized.

8.    "Insurance Business" Defined.

The "insurance business" includes the transaction of all matters
pertaining to a contract of insurance, both prior to and subsequent to
the effectuation of such a contract, and all matters arising out of
such a contract or any claim thereunder.

9.    Application to Particular Types of Insurers.

No provision of this article shall apply with respect to:

(1)   Fraternal Benefit Societies, except as stated in subtitle 19
(Fraternal Benefit Societies).

(2)   Nonprofit Health Service Plans, except as stated in subtitle 20
(Nonprofit Health Service Plans).

(3)   Bail Bondsmen, other than corporate sureties and their
agents.

10.    Prohibition Against Local Licenses and Taxes.

No county or city of this State shall require that any insurer, or
any insurance agent, broker, solicitor, adjuster, public adjuster, or
adviser obtain a certificate of authority or license to transact an
insurance business in such county or city; and no county or city
shall levy any occupational tax or fee for transacting any such
business. This section shall not be construed so as to preempt or
prevent the taxation and regulation of persons engaged in the bail
bond business other than corporate sureties and their agents who