In a unanimous vote, the New York state Senate Insurance Committee has advanced S.4157, which would repeal the outdated anti-arson application requirement for property insurance policies in New York City.
The vote marks a significant legislative victory for PIANY and its ongoing campaign to eliminate obsolete insurance regulations that no longer serve consumers.
Background
The anti-arson application, enacted in the late 1970s to combat rampant arson-for-profit schemes in urban areas, requires property owners in New York City to file an annual form to retain fire or explosion insurance coverage. However, modern fraud-prevention tools have rendered the application functionally unnecessary.
Unlike their counterparts in Buffalo and Rochester—where the anti-arson form has already been repealed—property owners in New York City still face:
- policy cancellations for missed forms, often due to confusion or oversight;
- costly and burdensome policy replacements; and
- gaps in insurance coverage that can jeopardize third-party claims and community safety.
What the bill would do
S.4157, sponsored by Sen. James Sanders Jr., D-10, mirrors A.112—previously passed by the Assembly in March—and would fully repeal Section 3403 of the Insurance Law. This action would eliminate a redundant administrative hurdle while preserving strong fraud oversight through DFS-approved insurer fraud-prevention plans, data analytics and investigative tools.
Why it matters
This long-overdue reform would modernize insurance regulation, enhance access to coverage and prevent unnecessary financial and legal exposure for New York City property owners and insurers. It’s a public safety issue as much as a consumer protection one.
The committee’s unanimous approval is a clear indication that lawmakers understand the harm caused by maintaining outdated laws and are ready to embrace practical, modern solutions.
What’s next
The bill now heads to the full Senate, and PIANY will continue to advocate for final passage. Repealing this requirement is essential to aligning the state’s fraud policies with 21st-century tools and ensuring fair treatment for all New York property owners.
Time for action
Your association needs your help to get this legislative priority through the Senate. You can help make a difference by clicking this link and sending a letter to your state senators, urging them to support S.4157.
Get involved
If you want to get more 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.
Bradford J. Lachut, Esq.
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.
