(1) Entities which sponsored retrospective rating groups prior to July 25, 1999, may not sponsor additional retrospective rating groups in a new business or industry category until the coverage period beginning January 1, 2003.

(2) For retrospective rating groups approved by the department on or after July 25, 1999, the sponsoring entity may not propose another retrospective rating group in a new business or industry category until the minimum mandatory adjustment periods required by the department for the first two coverage periods of the last formed retrospective rating group are completed.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not prohibit a sponsoring entity from proposing to:

(a) Divide an existing retrospective rating group into two or more groups provided that the proposed new groups fall within the same business or industry category as the group that is proposed to be divided; or

(b) Merge existing retrospective rating groups into one business or industry category provided that the proposed merged groups fall within the same business or industry category as the groups that are proposed to be merged.

(4) Under no circumstances may a sponsoring entity propose retrospective rating groups in multiple business or industry categories in the same application to the department.

(5) An insurer, insurance broker, agent, or solicitor may not:

(a) Participate in the formation of a retrospective rating group; or

(b) Sponsor a retrospective rating group.