News
N.J.: Gov. Murphy ends public health emergency
Gov. Phil Murphy announced last Friday that he signed an executive order to end the COVID-19 public health emergency, which had been in effect since March 9, 2020. Any executive order in accordance with the public health emergency will expire on Sunday, July 4, 2021. However, Murphy also signed legislation that enables the end of the public health emergency, but it allows his administration to retain the tools necessary to manage the ongoing threat posed by the pandemic. Per the legislation, 14 executive orders will remain in place until Jan. 1, 2022, unless the governor modifies or rescinds them before that date. To keep you updated on the latest COVID-19-related news, see the PIANJ COVID-19 resource page.
N.Y.: Most COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted once 70% of adult New Yorkers receive first vaccine dose
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Monday that most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted once 70% of adult New Yorkers have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The state’s industry-specific guidelines—including capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening and contact information for tracing—will become optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings. Large-scale event venues, pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes and health care settings must continue to follow the state’s guidelines until more New Yorkers are vaccinated. As of yesterday, 66.6% of adult New Yorkers have gotten the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. To keep you updated on the latest COVID-19-related news, see the PIANY COVID-19 resource page.
Vt.: Launched: The Economic Recovery Bridge Program
Gov. Phil Scott announced last Thursday that his administration, the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and the Department of Economic Development are launching the latest economic recovery funding for Vermont businesses. The Economic Recovery Bridge Program—which opened Monday—is expected to deliver $30 million in financial relief to businesses who have not received state and federal funding as a result of eligibility constraints and to businesses that can show a continued loss of revenues because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep you updated on the latest COVID-19-related news, see the PIAVT COVID-19 resource page.
Advocacy
Conn.: At the finish line of its legislative session, the state Senate votes to legalize cannabis
The Connecticut state Senate passed legislation on Tuesday that would legalize recreational, adult-use cannabis with a vote of 19-17. The bill is awaiting a vote from the state House of Representatives, and it is likely that it will get postponed to a special session. This legislation was part of the Legislature’s last batch of bills on which it was negotiating before the legislative session ended last night.
N.J.: PIANJ-priority ‘step-down’ legislation introduced
Sen. Joseph P. Cryan, D-20, introduced S-3899 in the state Senate last week. The bill—one of PIANJ’s 2021 legislative priorities—would prohibit the use of step-down provisions in personal automobile insurance policies. You can monitor the status of this and other bills with the PIAdvocacy bill tracker.
N.Y.: PIANY-supported electronic delivery bill passes state Assembly and state Senate
PIANY-supported legislation (S.653-A/A.651-A) that will allow certain insurance documents to be sent electronically passed both the state Senate and state Assembly this week. PIANY worked with sponsors and other industry associations to amend the bill to remove a burdensome “clickwrap” requirement that would have limited the bill’s effectiveness.
N.Y.: Agents Advocacy Coalition is your megaphone in the state Legislature
Even if independent agents have varying political views, we can agree on this: We want leaders in the state Legislature who will listen to us, represent us and support us. Agents Advocacy Coalition is a megaphone for independent agents across the state, and it helps support the election of sensible leaders who understand and represent the insurance industry—but it can’t do that without you. Learn more about Agents Advocacy Coalition today.
Technical
N.H.: ISO revises Businessowners bases of premium
The Insurance Service Office Inc., revised Rule 23 in its Businessowners Manual. Per the revision, $40,300—up from $32,300—should be used as the annual individual payroll for executive officers. The revision is meant for computation purposes applicable to contractors. This change goes into effect Monday, Nov. 1, 2021.
Events
Conn.: Spend time networking with CTYIP later this month
CTYIP is hosting an informal networking event on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Brewport Brewing Co., in Bridgeport. Come mingle, eat a snack or two, and have a drink. Entry is complimentary; drinks and food not included. For more information, email CTYIP Coordinator Ashleigh Adams.
Register now
June 15: The CTYIP Golf Open
