PIANY supports bill to carry over CE credits

New York state insurance agents and brokers may soon have a more flexible and practical way to meet their continuing-education requirements, thanks to a new bill introduced in the state Legislature. Senate bill S.6122 and Assembly bill A.6652, sponsored by Sen. Jamaal Bailey, D-36, and Assemblyman David Weprin, D-24, respectively, would allow licensed insurance producers—agents, brokers, adjusters, consultants and intermediaries—to carry forward up to seven excess CE credits into their next licensing cycle.

Currently, New York state law requires insurance professionals to complete at least 15 hours of CE every two years, with no option to roll over any additional credits. This system discourages professionals from going beyond the minimum requirements, as any extra effort is essentially wasted when the next renewal cycle begins.

Encouraging lifelong learning, not just compliance

Insurance is a complex and ever-evolving field. The best professionals don’t just check boxes to maintain their licenses—they seek out knowledge to better serve their clients. By allowing CE credit carryover, this bill would incentivize insurance producers to continue learning throughout their careers.

Aligning insurance CE rules with other professions

New York state already allows professionals in fields like law and architecture to carry forward CE credits into their next reporting period. It only makes sense to extend this benefit to insurance professionals, ensuring fairness and consistency across industries.

Reducing the burden on highly credentialed professionals

Many insurance producers pursue advanced industry designations such as CPCU and ChFC. These credentials require rigorous study and extensive continuing education. Yet, under the current system, even these highly trained professionals must take additional courses—often in topics they’ve already mastered—just to meet state CE requirements. This bill would help ensure that education remains meaningful rather than redundant.

A win-win for the industry and consumers

Contrary to concerns that this change might weaken CE standards, the bill actually would enhance the system by:

• Encouraging insurance professionals to take more education voluntarily.
• Reducing administrative burdens and regulatory inefficiencies.
• Ensuring consumers benefit from more knowledgeable and highly trained professionals.

PIANY believes this reform is long overdue. By passing S.6122/A.6652, lawmakers would modernize New York’s insurance education system, making it fairer, more effective and better aligned with other professions.

PIANY: Advocating for producers every step of the way

PIANY heard directly from its members about the challenges posed by the current CE rules, and in response, made this issue a top legislative priority. Recognizing the need for a fairer and more practical system, the association worked closely with state legislators to develop and support S.6122/A.6652. PIANY’s advocacy ensures that New York state’s insurance producers have a voice in Albany, and this bill is a direct result of those efforts. By championing this change, PIANY continues its mission to reduce regulatory burdens and support the professional growth of its members.

What’s next?

Both bills has been introduced and referred to the respective insurance committees in both chambers, where they await further action.

Get involved

If you want to get involved with PIANY’s legislative and advocacy work, there are many ways to engage with the association:

• Participate in PIANY’s District Office Visit Program;
• Become a member of Agents Advocacy Coalition; and
• Watch your PIA Northeast publications and PIA Northeast’s social-media channels for important New York updates and share them with your followers.