Georgia House Backs ‘Oxendine Bill’ to Ban Self-Licensing by Officials

The Georgia House has unanimously approved legislation to prohibit state insurance commissioners from granting themselves insurance licenses without passing mandatory tests.

The measure came after The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that outgoing Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine awarded himself several licenses the day before he left office in January. The Republican used an insurance agency rule to exempt himself from mandatory education and testing requirements.

The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Bill Hembree said that undermines public trust in elected officials.

Oxendine’s successor, Ralph Hudgens, says he doesn’t have the power to revoke the licenses.

Oxendine unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination for governor last year.

Topics Georgia