I think this Register of Deeds is to be commended for a very innovative approach to the problem. If his allegations of excessive profits and kick backs are correct, I think a federal probe of the industry is in order. It may be better to have the industry regulated federally rather than through each state government. ERISA may be one answer to the problem and RESPA may be another. The various State Governments resist the ERISA approach most forcefully. They do not like giving up regulation of the industry. The insurance industry is a very powerful and vengeful group to take on. I know of someone locally that tried to fight the good fight, and lost big time. If you are going to take them on you need huge amounts of cash for a war chest, infinite patience and to be prepared for your opponent to come at you from unsuspected directions...the suit against the Michigan Register of deeds is an example of this approach. 

Hartford, Connecticut is like the insurance capital of the world.  Most of the Insurance Commissioners here have a background of working for a large insurance companies. They claim that this is good because they have an understanding of the inner workings of the industry...unfortunately, I think it also creates a bias for administering claims issues.

The story of how the insurance industry began during colonial times is kind of interesting. If you are interested in hearing it, let me know.