The 2025 New York legislative session wrapped up last week, and it’s time to reflect on what your association accomplished—and what’s still ahead. Thanks to persistent advocacy and strong member engagement, PIANY advanced several long-standing priorities, secured meaningful wins and laid a solid foundation for continued progress.
Here’s where things stand on the issues that matter most to New York state’s independent agents and their clients.
Major wins and momentum builders
Anti-arson application repeal. For the first time ever, legislation to repeal New York City’s outdated anti-arson application requirement has passed both houses of the Legislature. The bill, S.4157/A.112, now awaits Gov. Kathy Hochul’s signature—a major milestone in PIANY’s multiyear campaign to modernize this relic from the 1970s.
Currently, New York City is the only municipality in the state that still requires this annual form just to maintain fire or explosion coverage. It’s a burdensome and unnecessary step for property owners that no longer serves a purpose. PIANY applauds lawmakers for recognizing the need for change and urges swift action to finalize the repeal. Learn more here.
Real-time auto insurance verification. In a last-minute victory, the New York state Assembly passed S.5331-A—sending one of PIANY’s top legislative priorities to the governor. Sponsored by Sen. Jamaal Bailey, D-36, and Assemblymember David Weprin, D-24, the bill would establish a real-time, web-based auto insurance verification system administered by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
This system would replace the state’s outdated batch-upload process, which often flags insured drivers as uninsured—resulting in fines, license suspensions or even vehicle impoundments. The reform is a practical step toward fairness and efficiency. Learn more here.
Consumer litigation funding reform. After years of concern about predatory third-party litigation funding, the Consumer Litigation Funding Act, S.1104A/A.804-C, has passed the Legislature and awaits action by the governor. PIANY supported this measure to bring some level of accountability to a largely unregulated industry that often saddles plaintiffs with excessive fees—ultimately increasing claim costs for both insurers and consumers.
The new law includes fee caps, licensing requirements, mandatory disclosures and a 10-day right of rescission. While PIANY had hoped for stronger transparency provisions and stricter interest limitations, this law marks meaningful progress in protecting consumers and stabilizing claim costs. Learn more here.
So close …
Continuing education carryover bill. The legislative process often is a marathon, not a sprint—and that’s certainly true for PIANY’s CE carryover bill, A.6652-B/S.6122-A. This new legislation, introduced for the first time in 2025, would have allowed insurance producers to carry forward up to five unused continuing-education credits into a new licensing cycle.
The bill gained traction quickly: it passed the Assembly and moved through the Senate—until concerns about the original seven-credit carryover proposal emerged. Critics argued it might dilute CE rigor and pushed for a cap of just three credits. PIANY successfully defended a five-credit compromise, but the amended bill required a second vote in both chambers.
The Assembly passed the revised bill 140-0. In the Senate, it advanced to third reading—but the session adjourned before a final vote could be taken. With just one more day, it might have passed. Still, this proposal has momentum and will be a top priority for PIANY in 2026. Learn more here.
Still on the radar
E-bike and e-scooter insurance framework. As e-bikes and e-scooters become more common, so does the need for clear insurance guidelines. While legislation to establish a liability framework didn’t move this year, PIANY will continue advocating for thoughtful solutions that protect both riders and the public. Learn more here.
Tort reform to curb no-fault fraud. PIANY-supported bills, A.3800/S.5231 and A.3851/S.5232, aimed at increasing penalties for orchestrating staged auto and construction accidents stalled this session. Combating this fraud is key to stabilizing premiums and restoring trust in the state’s no-fault system. Expect this issue to return in 2026. Learn more here and here, respectively.
What comes next
With major wins on the books and more work ahead, PIANY’s success depends on continued engagement from members like you:
- Stay connected through PIA Northeast News & Media and social media.
- Watch for alerts as bills move to the governor or reemerge next session.
- Be ready to act—grassroots advocacy makes the difference.
PIANY’s progress in 2025 reflects your voice, your commitment, and your role in shaping a better insurance landscape. Let’s keep it going.
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.
