Section 710. (a) If the commissioner finds after a hearing that a rate is not in compliance with section 704 or that a rate had been set in violation of section 713, the commissioner shall order that its use be discontinued for any policy issued or renewed after a date specified in the order, and the order may prospectively provide for premium adjustment of any policy then in force. Except as provided in subsection (b), the order shall be issued within thirty (30) days after the close of the hearing or within a reasonable time extension as fixed by the commissioner. The order shall expire one (1) year after its effective date unless rescinded earlier by the commissioner.
(b) (1) Pending a hearing, the commissioner may order the suspension prospectively of a rate filed by an insurer and re-impose the last previous rate in effect if the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe that: (i) an insurer is in violation of section 704; (ii) unless the order of suspension is issued, certain insured’s will suffer irreparable harm; (iii) the hardship insured’s will suffer absent the order of suspension outweighs any hardship the insurer would suffer if the order of suspension were to issue; and (iv) the order of suspension will cause no substantial harm to the public.
(2) In the event the commissioner suspends a rate under this subsection, the commissioner must, unless waived by the insurer, hold a hearing within fifteen (15) working days after issuing the order suspending the rate. In addition, the commissioner must make a determination and issue the order as to whether or not the rate should be disapproved within fifteen (15) working days after the close of the hearing.
(c) (l) At any hearing to determine compliance with section 704, pursuant to subsection (a), the commissioner may first determine whether a reasonable degree of competition exists within the market and shall give a ruling to that effect. All insurers operating within such market shall have the burden of establishing that a reasonable degree of competition exists
within that market. The commissioner shall consider all relevant factors in determining the competitiveness of the market, including: (i) the number of insurers actively engaged in providing coverage; (ii) market shares; (iii) changes in market shares; and (iv) ease of entry.
(2) If the commissioner determines that a reasonable degree of competition does not exist in the marker, any insurer designated by the commissioner shall have the burden of justifying its rate in such market.
(3) All determinations made by the commissioner shall be on the basis of findings of fact and conclusions of law.
(4) If the commissioner disapproves a rate, the disapproval shall take effect not less than fifteen (15) days after his order and the last previous rate in effect for the insurer shall be re-imposed for a period of one (1) year unless the commissioner approves a rate under subsection (d) or (e). (d) Within one (1) year after the effective date of a disapproval order, no rate adopted to replace one disapproved under such order may be used until it has been filed with the commissioner and not disapproved within thirty (30) days thereafter. (e) Whenever an insurer has no legally effective rates as a result of the commissioner's disapproval of rates! The commissioner shall, on the insurer's request, specify interim rates for the insurer that are high enough to protect the interests of all parties and may order that a specified portion of the premiums be placed in a special reserve established by the insurer. When new rates become legally effective, the commissioner shall order the specially reserved funds or any overcharge in the interim rates to be distributed appropriately to the insured’s or insurer, as the case may be, except that refunds to policyholders that are minimal may not be required.

(710 added July 2, 1993, P.L.190, No.44)