Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey: Chairing the New York State Senate Insurance Committee

January 16, 2025

Sen. Jamaal T. Bailey has been named chair of the New York State Senate Insurance Committee, a role that will position him to shape legislation affecting the state’s insurance industry. Representing New York’s 36th state Senate District since 2016, Bailey’s jurisdiction includes the Bronx neighborhoods of Co-op City, Wakefield, Woodlawn, Pelham Gardens, Edenwald, Eastchester, Baychester and the city of Mount Vernon in Westchester County.

A lifelong Bronx resident, Bailey’s approach to leadership is informed by his experiences growing up and working in the community. He attended P.S. 83 in Morris Park, and M.S. 181 in Co-op City before graduating from the Bronx High School of Science. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University at Albany and a Juris Doctor from the CUNY School of Law, where he focused on community and economic development.

Bailey began his career in public service as an intern in Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s office, later becoming Heastie’s community relations director. He also served as district leader for the 83rd Assembly District for six years. During this time, he worked on consumer safety legislation that regulated nicotine-laced water, an effort that became an early foundation for his focus on consumer rights.

As chair of the Senate Insurance Committee, Bailey will oversee discussions on key industry legislation, including the controversial Private Right of Action for Unfair Claim Settlement Practices (Bad Faith). The bill, which Bailey sponsors, has drawn both support and criticism. Proponents highlight its potential to hold insurers accountable for unjust claim denials—while opponents, including PIANY, have raised concerns about potential increases in insurance costs and the bill’s impact on market stability. Bailey has indicated that his goal is to balance the needs of consumers and industry stakeholders while fostering a fair insurance environment for New Yorkers.

Beyond his work in insurance, Bailey has been an advocate for criminal justice reform, civil legal service expansion and educational equity. He has emphasized the importance of addressing systemic barriers and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

An active member of the Williamsbridge Branch of the NAACP, Bailey also mentors young men at Butler Memorial United Methodist Church, where he grew up attending services with his family. He resides in Baychester with his wife, Giamara, and their two daughters, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community that has shaped him.

As chair of the insurance committee, Bailey is expected to lead discussions on emerging trends and challenges within the insurance industry, while navigating the complexities of diverse stakeholder interests and regulatory priorities. His role will be pivotal in shaping policies that impact consumers and insurers alike across New York state.

Bradford J. Lachut, Esq.
PIA Northeast |  + posts

Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., joined PIA as government affairs counsel for the Government & Industry Affairs Department in 2012 and then, after a four-month leave, he returned to the association in 2018 as director of government & industry affairs responsible for all legal, government relations and insurance industry liaison programs for the five state associations. Prior to PIA, Brad worked as an attorney for Steven J. Baum PC, in Amherst, and as an associate attorney for the law office of James Morris in Buffalo. He also spent time serving as senior manager of government affairs as the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, a chamber of commerce serving the Buffalo, N.Y., region, his hometown. He received his juris doctorate from Buffalo Law School and his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Politics from Utica College, Utica, N.Y. Brad is an active Mason and Shriner.

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