The core function of the Legal Division of the Arkansas Insurance Department (AID) is to provide legal counsel to the Department’s Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor. Attorneys within the Legal Division advise and assist the Commissioner and staff by offering legal counsel, conducting research, representing AID in administrative hearings, appeals, litigation, and other legal proceedings, and by drafting legislation, rules, directives, and legal opinions. Additional responsibilities include maintaining corporate records for insurers—such as name and address changes and domestication status—investigating consumer complaints and alleged violations of insurance laws or administrative rules, and providing accurate, up-to-date information to consumers, licensees, and insurance companies.
The Legal Division also plays a key role in reviewing and assisting with insurance company acquisitions, mergers, reinsurance agreements, and similar transactions, and supports the adoption of financial examination reports for Arkansas domestic HMOs and farmers’ mutual aid associations. The Legal Division also provides counsel to the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services.