The PIACT held its annual Legislative Reception on March 13, 2025, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for insurance producers from across the state to connect with lawmakers, discuss pressing industry challenges, and advocate for meaningful change.
The event’s timing couldn’t have been better—it was held the same week that PIACT’s top legislative priority, a bill that would modernize the excess-and-surplus insurance placement process was reported out of committee. This legislative momentum set the perfect stage for a night of engaging conversations about the future of the industry.
[CAPTION: L-R: Rep. Kerry Wood, D-29, co-chairperson of the Insurance & Real Estate Committee, and Kelly Bettuchi, director of government affairs for The Connecticut Group LLC.]
A full house for critical discussion
The reception was well attended, with agents, brokers and lawmakers coming together in a relaxed setting over appetizers and drinks. The casual atmosphere encouraged open dialogue about the key issues facing both insurance professionals and consumers.
The state of the insurance marketplace, including challenges in affordability and availability across both commercial and personal lines, was among the topics discussed in the evening. Attendees also discussed PIACT’s priority legislative issues, such as the E&S modernization bill.
[CAPTION: L-R: Betsy Koolis; Raymond F. Chase, III, CLCS; Theresa D. Eagles, CIC; and Leslee Biggs from FCB Insurance Services participating in PIACT Legislative Reception, held on March 13, 2025, at the Legislative Office Building.]
The event also stressed the importance of stronger advocacy efforts to help ensure that lawmakers understand the real-world impact of insurance legislation.
Attendees left the event energized and ready to continue the conversation—both in their communities and at the Capitol.
The work is just beginning—get involved!
While the reception was a success, the fight for modernizing the E&S placement process isn’t over.
PIACT has launched an advocacy campaign, and we need your help! Send a letter to your state legislators letting them know you support H.B.6981—get involved today!
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.
