(a) A surplus lines advisory organization of surplus lines licensees may be formed to:

(b) The functions of the organization shall in no way supplant or delegate current regulatory authority of the department to administer the provisions of this article.

(c) An advisory organization shall file with the department for approval:

(d) The department may, as necessary, make or cause to be made an examination of each such advisory organization. The reasonable cost of any such examination shall be paid by the advisory organization upon presentation to it by the department of a detailed account of each cost. The officers, directors, managers, agents and employes of such advisory organization may be examined at any time, under oath, and shall exhibit all books, records, accounts, documents or agreements governing its method of operation. The department shall furnish two copies of the examination report to the advisory organization examined and shall notify such organization that it may, within twenty (20) days thereof, request a hearing on the report or on any facts or recommendations therein. If the department finds such advisory organization or any member thereof to be in violation of this article, it may issue a cease and desist order requiring the discontinuance of such violation and may impose any other penalties as set forth in this article.

(e) The department may contract with a surplus lines advisory organization to render advice and assistance in carrying out the purposes of this article. The services performed by the advisory organization pursuant to such contract may be funded by a stamping fee assessed on each surplus lines policyholder whose policy is submitted to the advisory organization. The stamping fee shall be established by the board of governors of the advisory organization, from time to time, and shall be subject to approval by the department.

(f) The advisory organization may submit reports and make recommendations to the department regarding the financial condition of any eligible surplus lines insurer. These reports and recommendations shall not be considered to be public information or subject to any Federal or state freedom of information law. There shall be no liability on the part of nor shall any cause of action of any nature be sustained against eligible surplus lines insurers, the advisory organization or its members, agents, employes, officers or directors or the department or authorized representatives of the department for statements and any reports or recommendations made by them in good faith under this section.

(g) By order of the department, a surplus lines licensee may be compelled to attend educational seminars as a condition of continued licensure under this article.