PIANJ previously alerted members to a deeply concerning regulatory proposal from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This proposal—N.J.A.C. 12:11—would dramatically expand the state’s interpretation of the “ABC test” for classifying independent contractors, posing a direct threat to the independent agency system.
Thanks to your association’s swift and forceful advocacy, PIANJ is pleased to announce that the New Jersey Department of Labor has agreed to hold a public hearing and extend the comment period by an additional 30 days.
This marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to protect the independence of New Jersey’s insurance agencies. The extended timeline gives PIANJ the opportunity to further emphasize the unique structure and regulatory responsibilities of our industry—and to clearly explain why applying the proposed regulation to insurance producers is misguided and could result in unintended, even absurd, consequences.
PIANJ remains on the front lines of this critical issue. We’re committed to ensure that this rule—if adopted—reflects the realities of the insurance marketplace and safeguards the entrepreneurial model that defines the independent agency channel.
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR
Shirley Albright, CPIA, CISR, has been a cornerstone of PIA since joining the association in 1983. Over the decades, she has contributed meaningfully across numerous departments, demonstrating unwavering dedication and leadership. In 1995, Shirley played a pivotal role in launching the Industry Resource Center, where she led the development of a comprehensive software system designed to log and manage all incoming and outgoing member inquiries—an innovation that transformed the center’s operational efficiency. As director of the Industry Resource Center, Shirley oversees the center’s daily operations, including the triage and resolution of thousands of member inquiries and multiple database updates, ensuring timely and accurate support across the organization. Her industry accomplishments include earning her New York state property/casualty broker’s license and has obtaining the CPIA and CISR professional designations, underscoring her deep expertise and commitment to excellence in the insurance industry.
