News
NFIP extended to Nov. 17
Congress passed a continuing resolution, which includes an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, that will expire on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023. The resolution, which was signed by President Joe Biden, was passed on Sept. 30.
President Biden announces executive action on AI
At the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel in San Francisco, President Biden made remarks about technological development in the United States before he met with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology on Sept. 27. His remarks focused primarily on further expanding health care access for Americans and the implementation of artificial intelligence. Biden said that he had an interest in harnessing “the power of artificial intelligence for good while protecting people from the profound risk it also presents … the profound risk if we don’t do it well.”
N.H. releases code of ethics for use of artificial intelligence in state government
Following the launch of the New Hampshire State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program application, local government entities—including K-12 schools—now are eligible to receive services to improve their cyber security posture and ensure they can deliver critical government and learning services to residents, businesses, and visitors to the Granite State. Additionally, New Hampshire is one of the first states in the nation to develop and approve a Code of Ethics pertaining to the use of artificial intelligence by state agencies to improve interaction with government agencies and enhance efficiency.
Compliance
N.Y.: ‘Move over’ law expanded in the state
Gov. Kathy Hochul last week signed legislation (A.1077/S.5129), which improves the existing “move over” law requiring drivers to exercise due care to avoid vehicles stopped on the roadway, including by changing lanes. The current law has been in place since 2010 and is designed to prevent collisions with emergency vehicles. In the years since, the law has been expanded to cover hazard vehicles and other responder vehicles. However, personal vehicles stopped on the sides of highways remain a safety hazard. Nearly 300 drivers are struck and killed roadside every year, and 37 people were struck and killed outside of a disabled vehicle in New York from 2016-20. This law expands the existing move over law to cover all vehicles stopped on the road.
Advocacy
PIA-supported cannabis safe harbor bill passes Senate banking committee
On Sept. 27, the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee passed the latest version of the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation Banking Act, the cannabis safe harbor bill (S.2860)—by a vote of 14 to 9. PIA has long supported the SAFE Banking Act, its predecessor, which recently was revised and reintroduced as the SAFER Banking Act of 2023, also with PIA’s support. The new bill changed non-insurance portions of the legislation to garner greater support for its final passage. Ahead of the markup, PIA, along with other insurance industry groups, sent a letter reiterating our support for the legislation. PIA strongly supports this bill, which would protect insurance agents and carriers from the threat of federal prosecution for providing insurance products to cannabis-related businesses in states where cannabis is legal. PIA Northeast offers various resources to help members stay updated on this budding issue.
Technical
ISO BOP program enhanced
The Insurance Services Office Inc. announced the launch of its latest update to the businessowners program. The enhanced BOP program includes: nearly 160 new classifications and updated 2022 National Association of Insurance Commissioners codes, providing insurers with a more comprehensive and up-to-date classification system; new rules and advisory prospective loss costs for hired and non-owned autos and drones; and the introduction of classifications that complement Micro-BOP and ransomware coverage exclusions.
FEMA announces April 2024 NFIP program changes
In Memorandum W-23014, the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides notification of NFIP changes and guidance updates effective April 1, 2024. Included are three program changes, five section changes and seven appendix changes.
CID bulletin: Carriers’ responsibilities when they discontinue, reduce line of business
Insurance producers across the Nutmeg State have experienced insurance carriers taking both overt and covert actions to decrease their exposure in the state. On Sept. 19, 2023, the Connecticut Insurance Department issued Bulletin PC-34-23 (which rescinds Bulletin 34, dated Dec. 20, 2020). This bulletin informs insurance carriers of their duty to notify the CID if they intend to reduce commissions, discontinue offering, or substantially reduce their involvement in a line or subline of insurance. This new level of oversight will ensure that the CID stays apprised of carrier actions across the state. For more information, see the related article on PIA Northeast News & Media.
Accolades
PIANY past President Richard A. Savino installed as president of PIA National
Richard A. Savino, CIC, CPIA, was installed as president of PIA National during the organization’s Sept. 20, 2023, board of directors meeting held in Naples, Fla. Savino was sworn in together with his four fellow national officers: President-elect: Ariel Rivera, MBA, CIC, CPIA, of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Vice President/Treasurer: Mark A. Suhr, CIC, CPIA, of Seward, Neb.; Secretary/Assistant Treasurer: David “Red” Gorman, CPIA, of Dallas, Texas; and Immediate Past President: Gerald F. Hemphill, CIC, LUTCF, of Richmond, Va. All the officers will serve one-year terms that began on Oct. 1, 2023, and run through Sept. 30, 2024.
N.Y.: Skeele Agency recognized by Ivans
PIANY longtime member Skeele Agency was recognized by Ivans® as a 2023 Ivans Connected Agency recipient. Ivans Connected Agency recipients are recognized for their commitment to agency-carrier connectivity and driving automated data exchange across the distribution channel. Criteria for Ivans Connected agents include having fully customized their Ivans Exchange™ Connections Report, indicating interest for specific download or insurers to be appointed with. Additionally, agents will have logged in to Ask Kodiak to review market appetite.
Educating insurance agents
N.Y.: Classes that meet the New York State Department of Financial Services’ most recent CE requirements are available online and in private on-site sessions.
Conn./N.H./N.J./N.Y.: Looking for CE about the NFIP?
PIA Northeast will host a webinar NFIP–Keeping Your Clients Head Above Water, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Robin Federici, CPCU, AAI, ARM, AINS, AIS, CPIW, as she will review the current NFIP policies (e.g., dwelling, general, and residential condominium building association policy) along with information on lender rules and current coverage issues. This webinar has been approved for continuing-education credits in Connecticut (3 PC), New Hampshire (3 Producer PROD), New Jersey (3 NFIP Flood), and New York (3 BR, C3, PA, PC. This course is approved for the New York state enhanced flood regulation.)
N.Y.: Looking for AI-related CE?
Don’t forget to register for PIANY’s Capital RAP, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, at the Albany Capital Center. Prepare for a transformative journey into the heart of cybersecurity in the AI age with our riveting CE course, Cybersecurity in the AI Age: Judgment Day. The continuing-education session will be led by PIANY Director of Government & Industry Affairs Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., who has more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry, and who has been involved with the regulatory framework of cyber security protection since the inception of New York’s cyber security regulation in 2015. This class will help participants understand New York’s cyber security regulation, and it will explore emerging risks and cyberthreat best practices. The class has been approved for 2 PC, BR, C3, PA CE credits. The event also will feature a keynote address by Gordon Malin, co-founder and COO of Elpha Secure, a trade show and a networking reception. Register today—and save 15%
Events
The CTYIP Awards Gala is back
Join CTYIP for its Annual CTYIP Gala, on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at Anthony’s Ocean View, New Haven, Conn., starting at 5 p.m. CTYIP will roll out the red carpet and bring the paparazzi for a fun-filled evening of networking, dinner, raffles and awards. During the event, the association will recognize top industry professionals. This year’s honorees include the following: Lifetime Achievement Award: Jonathan Black of Curtis Black Insurance; CTYIP of the Year: Jackie Meeker of the Russell Agency; CTYIP Director of the Year: Robyn Ricciardone of RPS; CTYIP Industry Advocate of the Year: Ryan Vivenzio of CNA Insurance; CTYIP Supporter of the Year: Christine DeFelice of CorRisk Solutions, a Ryan Specialty; and MGA of the Year: Anthony DeSalva of Georgetown Financial. Register today. Sponsorships still are available.
PIANJ will take a deep dive into the claim cycle of a cyber risk
PIANJ’s fall Deep Dive program, which will be held Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, via video conference, starting at 11 a.m., will focus on the rapid changes in cyber security coverages—specifically what independent agents need to know when offering cyber insurance policies to their clients, and what to expect if one of their customers has a cyberbreach. This program will be monitored by PIANJ Business Issues/Communications Committee Chair Christopher J. Powell, of Hardenberg Insurance Group, with cyber claim expert Sean Hoar, of Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete LLP; and Keith Savino, CIC, CPIA, of Broadfield Group, who will bring the agent’s prospective. This event is free to all PIANJ members—register today.
Register now
Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023: CTYIP Awards Gala
Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023: PIANJ Deep Dive Program: Claim Cycle of a Cyber Risk
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023: NY-YIP Capital RAP Welcome Reception
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023: PIANY Capital RAP—Register now and save 15% Interested in sponsoring, exhibiting or advertising?
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023: NJYIP Holiday Reception
Save the date
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023: YIP Winter Webinar: Reinsurance
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024: NY-YIP MetroRAP Welcome Reception
Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024: PIANY MetroRAP
Wednesday, May 8, 2024: NJYIP Golf Open
June 2-4, 2024: PIA New Jersey | PIA New York Annual Conference
Tuesday, June 4, 2024: NJYIP Fun Run to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey
