Rep. Balkcom files bill in North Carolina House to clarify insurance rebate practices

A new bill filed by State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom seeks to clarify permissible trade practices in the insurance industry, focusing on rebate definitions and fair value-added services, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 356 on March 10 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Permitted Trade Practices/Insurance Rebates.-AB’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, the bill aims to clarify permissible trade practices related to insurance rebates, notably repealing certain sections and rewriting others to define unfair or deceptive acts in the insurance business. It specifies that certain value-added products or services can be offered by insurers or producers at no or reduced cost, given they meet criteria related to enhancing coverage, risk management, or financial wellness, and provided they are not unfairly discriminatory. Additionally, the bill allows noncash gifts and the conducting of drawings or raffles under specific conditions, such as a $250 cap per term and fairness in participation. The legislation also confirms exceptions to prohibitions on rebates, ensuring that trade practices align with approved filings. This act will be effective upon becoming law and applies to insurance contracts issued, renewed, or amended from that date.

Of the three sponsors of this bill, Mitchell S. Setzer and Balkcom proposed the most bills (15) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Balkcom graduated from Blue Ridge Community College in 2016 with an AA.

Balkcom, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2023 to represent the state’s 117th House district, replacing previous state representative Timothy Moffitt.