3658

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 778

168.

(a)   [For the protection of the people of this State, the
Commissioner shall issue, renew, continue or permit to exist
licenses only in compliance with this article to individuals who
are trustworthy and of good character and who have qualified
therefore by study programs, experience and examination and who
shall be licensed and may conduct their insurance business
affairs in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle.

(b)  (1) Any qualified individual may be appointed by and
may be licensed as an agent for any one or more insurers as to
the kind or kinds of insurance business for which the person is
qualified.

(2) If qualified a licensed agent may also be
licensed as a broker.

(c)  A broker's license shall be issued to authorize the
transaction of business by a person qualified therefor in the
following categories: (A) All kinds of insurance; (B) all kinds
of insurance other than life and health insurance and annuities;
and (C) life and health insurance and annuities only.

(d)   Licensees may conduct their insurance business affairs
as a partnership or corporation provided that every individual
who solicits, negotiates, or accepts insurance business from the
public shall be qualified and licensed for the kinds of insurance
business he does with the public.

If a partnership or corporation is primarily engaged in the
insurance business, any such partnership or corporation agency
may be issued appropriate agent or broker licenses and may be
certified as a licensee under this subtitle to the supervisory
officials of any state.]

THE COMMISSIONER SHALL ISSUE, RENEW, AND PERMIT TO EXIST A
CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION TO AN AGENT OR BROKER IN ANY ONE
KIND OR COMBINATION OF KINDS OF INSURANCE AND SUBDIVISIONS
THEREOF AS THE COMMISSIONER MAY CONSIDER APPROPRIATE.

(B) IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION TO
ACT AS AN INSURANCE AGENT, A PERSON SHALL:

(1) (I) FILE THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORM WITH
THE COMMISSIONER AFFIRMING THAT THE INDIVIDUAL IS OF GOOD
CHARACTER AND TRUSTWORTHY;

(II)  MEET THE EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER
QUALIFICATION PROVISIONS OF §§ 171, 176, 177, AND 178 OF THIS
ARTICLE, AS APPLICABLE; AND

(III)  PAY THE FEE SPECIFIED IN § 41 OF THIS
ARTICLE; OR