When it comes to protecting consumers and reining in unnecessary litigation costs, PIANY has been leading the charge—and this week, it scored another key victory. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has officially enacted the...
PIANJ’s top legislative priority—step-down provisions—introduced in Legislature
PIANJ has long advocated for banning the use of step-down clauses in personal auto policies—an unfair, hidden trap that blindsides consumers when they need coverage most. After years of steady advocacy, that work is paying off. Twin...
N.Y.: Governor vetoes bill on dog breed restrictions in renters insurance
Gov. Kathy Hochul has vetoed legislation (S.364) that would have prohibited insurers from imposing restrictions on renters insurance policies based solely on the breed—or mix of breeds—of a dog owned or harbored by the policyholder. The...
N.Y.: Bill to limit use of credit history in employment decisions delivered to governor
A bill (S.3072) that would prohibit the use of an individual’s consumer credit history in employment decisions, has been delivered to Gov. Kathy Hochul for review. The bill is intended to promote fair hiring practices by limiting how personal financial...
N.Y.: Governor vetoes wrongful death bill: What agents need to know
When Gov. Kathy Hochul called for action on A.6063/S.4423—legislation that would have amended New York state’s wrongful-death statute significantly—PIANY members immediately mobilized. While well-intentioned, the bill posed serious concerns for...
Special relationships happen on a case-by-case basis: A look at standard-of-care lawsuits
I have written before of my love of the legal lexicon. My dedicated readers know I have some favorite legal words, like champerty and tortfeasor.[1] But as every Ying needs a Yang, there are some legal words that I shudder to see—particularly in a legal opinion. My...
Advocating for affordability: PIANY testifies before N.Y. Senate on residential property insurance
The New York state Senate held a joint hearing on Nov. 18, 2025, to address a growing concern for homeowners and insurance professionals alike: the rising cost—and shrinking availability of—residential property insurance. The hearing, convened by the Senate Committees...
N.J.: E-bike overhaul: What a new bill means for riders, regulators—and insurance producers
As the New Jersey Legislature zeroes in on e-bike insurance during the current lame duck session, S-4834 emerges as a key piece of proposed legislation. Introduced by Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari, D–22, S-4834 is the second e-bike insurance bill put forward in recent...
N.J.: New bill would protect insurance producers independence
For months, PIANJ has been sounding the alarm about a proposed regulation that could upend the independent insurance agency system. Through meetings with lawmakers, public comments and direct engagement with the New Jersey Department of Labor, PIANJ has worked...
N.Y.: Governor signs online insurance verification law: A win for agents, clients
In a major victory for insurance modernization and consumer protection, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul officially signed S.5331-A/A.4404-A into law—bring the Empire State into a new era of real-time insurance verification for motor vehicles....