Sec. 1. 24-A MRSA c. 4 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 4

PROTECTION OF CONSUMERS

SUBCHAPTER I

THE PUBLIC ADVOCATE

§301.__Duties of Public Advocate to insurance consumers

In addition to those duties specified in section 2387-A, the duties and responsibilities of the Public Advocate are to represent public consumers of insurance services and products within the jurisdiction of the bureau.

§302.__Review and recommendations

The Public Advocate may review, investigate and make appropriate recommendations to the superintendent regarding aspects of the insurance industry, including, but not limited to, the following:

1.__Rates.__The reasonableness of rates charged or proposed to be charged by any insurer;

2.__Service.__The reasonableness and adequacy of the service furnished or proposed to be furnished by any insurer;

3.__Reduction or abandonment.__Any proposal by an insurer to reduce or abandon service to the public;

4.__Terms and conditions.__Terms and conditions of insurers;

5.__Mergers and consolidations.__Mergers and consolidations of insurers;

6.__Contracts.__Contracts of insurers' affiliates or subsidiaries; and

7.__Transactions.__Securities, regulations and transactions of insurers.

§303.__Intervention

The Public Advocate may intervene in any proceeding before the bureau related to the activities under section 302 when determined necessary by the Public Advocate.