Weekly Dispatch: March 12, 2026

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March 12, 2026

News

Updates made to the 2026 Farm Bill

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 has new changes that could impact the insurance industry. It builds on the foundations laid in 2024 and “introduces new provisions that strengthen program integrity, improve access for beginning and veteran farmers and expand research and development into underserved crops and catastrophic perils.” For independent insurance agents who work with crop insurance, or serve industries tied to farming, these changes could carry significant impacts.

Executive order combatting cybercrime signed

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at tackling cybercrime in the United States. The order highlights the dangers posed by common cyber crime threats—such as ransomware and malware—and targets Transnational Criminal Organizations that commit cybercrimes. PIA Northeast News & Media has repeatedly covered cybercrime and cyber security issues, and their effects on the insurance industry. For more information, visit the PIA Northeast News & Media website, and click the “cyber” tag.

NHID warns drivers of insurance consequences under new speeding law

The New Hampshire Insurance Department issued a reminder for its drivers regarding new penalties for driving 100 miles per hour or greater. Under the law, RSA 265:79, a first offense for driving 100 miles per hour or greater carries a minimum $750 fine plus penalty assessment and a mandatory 90-day license suspension. The NHID states that these violations carry financial impacts beyond initial fines and licenses suspensions, such as higher premium costs or changes to underwriting carrier.

Compliance

N.Y.: Cyber security compliance certification deadline April 15

Those individuals who hold a New York state insurance license—covered entities—including nonresident licensees, have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to certify their compliance with the requirements of New York state’s cyber security regulation (23 NYCRR 500) for calendar-year 2025. This filing requirement is for all licensees not covered by another covered entity’s information system. This certification, which is required annually, must be filed via the New York State Department of Financial Services’ web portal. Interested in learning how to navigate 23 NYCRR 500? PIA Northeast has written a series of articles on the topic.

Advocacy

Conn.: New bill recommends Legislature address third-party litigation

Third-party litigation’s influence is growing in the civil justice system, prompting calls for reform and regulation of the practice. PIACT has expressed support for H.B. 5375, “An Act Concerning the Recommendations of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee Working Groups.” The bill calls for a clear regulatory framework governing financial arrangements under third-party litigation funding. Supporters of the legislation emphasize that thoughtful regulation can help protect plaintiffs, reduce unnecessary litigation costs and support a more stable insurance marketplace for businesses and consumers across the state.

N.Y.: TED Part EE keeps no-fault benefits, cuts unnecessary litigation

Part EE is an insurance-related proposal in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation budget. Specifically, this proposal addresses litigation costs, claims disputes and rising auto insurance premiums. Under current law, people generally cannot sue other covered people for noneconomic damages—such as pain and suffering—unless they meet the statutory definition of a “serious injury.” Part EE proposes several targeted reforms to improve how that system operates, including eliminating the “90/180-day” category from the serious-injury definition.

Technical

Promoting referrals in your business to drive revenues

Referrals are extremely valuable for your insurance agency, but how do you adjust your company culture to draw in stacks of referrals and leads? It takes a great deal of time and effort, but it’s well within your grasp. To start your company’s transformation, PIA Northeast members can access Building a referral-driven culture and driving revenues in the PIA QuickSource library.

Educating insurance agents

Conn.: Education sessions for a changing industry

The insurance industry is undergoing rapid changes, thanks in part to technological innovations, new regulations, new cyberthreats and softening market conditions. At the PIA Connecticut Convention, stay ahead of industry trends by attending the two in-depth, CE-approved education sessions. The first session, with instructors Bradford J. Lachut, Esq., and Christopher Weldon, Esq., is The New E&O Frontier: Technology, Compliance and Emerging Liabilities^AZ^UN (3 PC, 3 update credits). It will cover how errors-and-omissions risks are evolving due to changing industry conditions by using real-world E&O cases as example. The second session, Cyber Coverage Explained in Depth–Finally! (2 PC, 2 update credits), will be led by Jim Venezia, CPCU, CCIS, CCIC, and it will look to answer some of the unanswered questions agents have about cyber security coverage. Both sessions were submitted for Connecticut CE credits. All of this—and more—will be featured at this year’s convention. These education sessions qualify for update credit hours toward any Risk & Insurance Education Alliance designation. To learn more about the update credit, send inquiries to updatehelp@riskeducation.org, or visit the FAQ page. Make the most of early bird rates today and register now! Interested in sponsoring or advertising? ^AZ^UN–This course has been approved for E&O loss prevention credit by Allianz and Utica National.

Events

Conn: One more week until convention—still time to register!

Are you ready for another exciting insurance event attended by hundreds of like-minded insurance professionals? This year’s PIA Connecticut Convention, running from March 19-20, 2026, at Foxwoods Resort Casino, is just a week away. There is plenty to enjoy at this year’s convention. There will be a packed trade show featuring innovative solutions offered by experienced vendors, in-depth education sessions diving into the state of E&O risks and the nuances of cyber security coverage, and opportunities to expand and strengthen your connections across the industry. You also don’t want to miss the lunch buffet, which will feature an address from PIA National’s President Mike Suhr, CIC, CPIA, and will honor the winners of this year’s PIACT Awards of Distinction. Close out the day and connect with your peers at the Networking Reception, featuring music from DJ Mike Nigretti, along with plenty of delicious food and drink. End the convention the following morning at the relaxing Farewell Breakfast Buffet and recharge yourself with refreshing morning cocktails. Lock in your spot at this year’s convention—you don’t want to miss it! Register today to avoid higher prices at the door. Separate registration required for the CTYIP Welcome Reception | Axes & Accelerators.

ICYMI

New Jersey pay-to-play annual disclosure due April 1

New Jersey’s pay-to-play law (P.L. 2005, c. 271 Section 3), requires insurance agencies to file electronic annual disclosure statements by Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Insurance agencies that have received $50,000 or more in the aggregate during the 2025 calendar year—through contracts with a public entity or entities—must file an annual disclosure statement listing all their various political contributions made during that year. Insurance agents can file their disclosure statements electronically with the NJELEC by April 1, 2025. If you have made no reportable contributions to candidates or committees during the calendar year, you can use the short form. If you have made reportable contributions, you need to fill out the long form. These forms are available on the NJELEC website. To select the appropriate form, click either the “Short Form BE—RIGHT CLICK to Download” button or the “Long Form BE—RIGHT CLICK to Download” button (under Step One).