N.Y. Legislative wrap up, part two—What didn’t make it?

The 2025 New York state legislative session was filled with ambitious proposals aimed at improving the insurance landscape—many of which PIANY monitored, supported and advocated for on behalf of insurance professionals across the state. While a number of key wins were secured this year, there were some important issues that did not make it across the finish line.

From licensing reform to excess line efficiency, from e-bike safety to workers’ compensation fairness, several bills were designed to simplify processes, enhance consumer protections and bring New York state’s insurance framework into better alignment with national standards. Despite strong industry backing, including from PIANY, and increasing legislative attention, these initiatives faced a variety of roadblocks—from partisan gridlock to cost concerns—and ultimately stalled in committee.

Below is a look at the major bills PIANY tracked this session that didn’t advance—highlighting when momentum was building and what opportunities remain for future legislative efforts.

Licensing reform: Toward a unified producer license

A.8065 (Hunter)/S.8060 (Bailey). New York insurance professionals have long juggled separate licenses for agents and brokers—a system that’s duplicative and inefficient. This session, PIANY supported legislation to change that. A.8065/S.8060 proposed creating a single “producer” license, aligning New York state’s system with national standards already in place in most states.

The bill would have streamlined licensing processes while preserving the legal definitions and roles of agents and brokers. It also would have included transitional provisions for existing license holders. While the legislation received industry support, it did not make it out of committee in either chamber.

Telematics and usage-based auto insurance

A.7710 (Stern)/S.5342 (Comrie). Telematics and usage-based insurance are gaining traction nationwide. In New York state, A.7710 and its counterpart S.5342 sought to formally authorize and regulate the use of telematics data in auto insurance. These bills would have allowed insurers to collect data—such as speed, location and driving behavior—with the driver’s consent, to determine premiums, settle claims and detect fraud. Importantly, participation in telematics programs would remain voluntary unless the insurer exclusively offers usage-based policies, in which case clear disclosure is required.

While the legislation would have aligned the state with national trends in usage-based insurance and permitted insurers to offer telematics-based safety programs, it ultimately stalled in committee—similar to a previous attempt last session. Despite its failure to progress, the issue remains on the radar, reflecting growing interest in modernizing auto insurance practices.

Insurance access for commuter vans

S.6084 (Parker). Commuter vans—also known as Dollar Vans—serve transit-challenged communities but often struggle to find insurance. S.6084 proposed a captive insurance program, administered by the New York State Department of Financial Services, to help ensure that these small businesses could access coverage and continue operating legally and safely.

Commuter vans play a vital role in underserved communities, especially in areas where public transit is limited. By easing access to insurance, the legislation would have helped these operators stay on the road safely and legally. Despite strong potential to address long-standing insurance barriers, the bill stalled in committee.

Homeowners insurance: Prohibiting anticoncurrent causation clauses

S.6205 (Skoufis). In response to widespread claim denials after events like Superstorm Sandy, S.6205 sought to limit the use of anticoncurrent causation clauses. These clauses allow insurers to deny a claim when a covered and excluded peril—like wind and flood—both contribute to the loss.

The bill would have required insurers to cover the portion of the loss caused by the covered peril and to improve disclosure practices. While aimed at fairness and transparency, the bill did not move forward this session.

E&S market reform: Easing the diligent-effort requirement

S.5310 (Bailey)/A.6060 (Hunter). Placing commercial risks in the excess and surplus market often means brokers must secure three declinations from admitted carriers—a bureaucratic hurdle that adds time and cost. S.5310/A.6060 would have waived this requirement when working through unaffiliated wholesale brokers for commercial lines. This change would expedite the placement process and reduce administrative burdens, benefiting both brokers and their clients.

PIANY supported the bill as a common-sense reform to speed up placements without compromising consumer protection. Unfortunately, the bill stalled in committee.

Workers’ compensation: Promoting fairness and flexibility

S.5320 (Bailey)/S.5327 (Bailey). PIANY also pushed for reforms to the New York State Insurance Fund. S.5320 would have required the NYSIF to compensate brokers for placing policies—bringing it in line with private carriers. S.5327 would eliminate the 30-day written notice required for policyholders transitioning to private coverage.

These two reforms would support broker participation and improve flexibility for businesses. Both bills, however, remained in the Senate Labor Committee.

E-bike fire safety and insurance requirements

A4865 (Chang). In response to rising fire risks from lithium-ion e-bike batteries, A.4865 would have required property owners housing e-bike businesses to carry at least $1 million in fire insurance and undergo inspections after fire-related incidents.

Despite the public safety concerns it addressed, the bill struggled to gain traction—largely due to concerns over costs for small businesses.