N.Y.: Senate Insurance Committee advances CE carryover bill; key step for PIANY priority

The New York state Senate Insurance Committee has advanced S.6122-A, legislation that would allow insurance producers to carry forward up to five excess continuing-education credits into their next licensing cycle. The vote marks an important step forward for a top legislative priority of PIANY.

PIANY thanks Sen. Jamaal Bailey, D-36, chair of the Senate Insurance Committee and sponsor of the bill, for his leadership in moving this practical reform through committee. His support underscores a shared commitment to modernizing New York state’s CE framework for licensed insurance professionals.

What the bill would do

Under current New York state law, insurance producers must complete at least 15 CE credits every two years to maintain their licenses, including required coursework in ethics, Insurance Law, flood insurance, and diversity, equity and inclusion. While these standards ensure producers remain knowledgeable and compliant, any credits earned beyond the minimum requirement cannot be applied to a future licensing cycle.

S.6122-A would address this limitation by allowing producers to carry forward up to five excess CE credits into the next biennial licensing period.

This change recognizes a common reality across the profession: many producers exceed minimum CE requirements by pursuing additional coursework, attending industry programs, or earning professional designations. Under the current system, those extra efforts provide no ongoing credit once a cycle ends.

By allowing a limited carryover, the bill would encourage continuous learning, and it would remove the use-it-or-lose-it constraint that can discourage producers from completing additional education early in their licensing period.

PIANY support

PIANY strongly supports S.6122-A because it strikes the right balance between flexibility and maintaining rigorous professional standards.

The legislation does not reduce CE requirements or alter mandated subject areas. Instead, it would provide producers with greater control over how they complete their education while it still would ensure that they meet all licensing obligations.

Allowing CE carryover promotes more consistent, year-round professional development, rather than incentivizing a last-minute rush to meet deadlines. It also would align New York state with other professions—such as attorneys, architects and engineers—that already permit limited CE carryover between reporting periods.

Additionally, the measure would help to reduce inefficiencies for highly engaged professionals who regularly exceed CE requirements as part of their commitment to providing service for clients and staying current in a rapidly evolving insurance marketplace.

Building legislative momentum

The Senate Insurance Committee’s action builds on momentum from the Assembly, which passed companion legislation (A.6652-B), sponsored by Assemblyman David Weprin, D-24, earlier this year.

With both chambers now actively advancing the measure, PIANY is encouraged by the growing bipartisan recognition that this is a common-sense update to New York state’s licensing system.

What comes next

Following its passage in committee, S.6122-A now moves to the full Senate for consideration. If approved, the bill would then need to be reconciled with the Assembly version before being sent to the governor for signature.

PIANY will continue working closely with lawmakers in both chambers to advance the legislation and ensure its final passage.