The effort to modernize Connecticut’s excess-and-surplus lines insurance process has taken a major step forward. The Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate has officially released, H.B.6981, with PIACT’s proposed changes fully incorporated—a crucial win for independent agents and brokers across the state. The bill will now head to the full legislature for consideration.
This legislation would remove outdated due-diligence requirements for placing risks in the nonadmitted insurance market when working with an unaffiliated surplus-lines broker. If passed, it would streamline the process for securing specialized insurance coverage, reducing administrative burdens while keeping consumer protections intact.
PIACT’s role in driving change
Throughout the legislative process, PIACT members and staff have been strong advocates for this reform. On Feb. 27, 2025, PIACT representatives testified before the Connecticut General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee, emphasizing the importance of eliminating unnecessary regulatory delays.
What’s next?
Now that the Joint Committee on Insurance and Real Estate has advanced H.B.6981 with PIACT’s recommended changes, the bill moves to the full legislature for consideration. PIACT will continue working to ensure its passage, helping independent agents and brokers better serve their clients.
Stay tuned for further updates as the bill progresses through the legislative process!
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.
