January 21, 2020

PIANJ applauds governor for signing law to waive licensing fee for veterans

Trenton, N.J.—The Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey applauds Gov. Phil Murphy for signing A-1924/S-2930 today. The new law, which has been a legislative priority for PIANJ, requires the commissioner of the Department of Banking and Insurance to waive the initial insurance producer licensing fee for any New Jersey resident veteran who has received an honorable discharge from a branch of the active or reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. The legislation was sponsored by Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, D-33, and Sen. Anthony R. Bucco, R-25, respectively.

According to the law, veterans still are required to pass the licensing examination and fulfill any other requirements for their licensure. In addition, veteran licensees need to comply with all other licensing fees imposed by law or regulation.

“PIANJ thanks the governor and the members of the state Legislature who supported this legislation,” said PIANJ President Bruce Blum, CPIA. “PIANJ is grateful to those who serve our country, and it is honored to have former military men and women join the ranks of the professional, independent agency system. Our association feels it is important to support military veterans as they embark on the next phase of their careers.”

The passage of this legislation has been a top priority for PIANJ, which offered testimony to the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee in support of the law last year. To further its support of veterans, the association also offers a free year of PIANJ membership for U.S. military veterans who recently earned their insurance licenses and who are starting their own insurance agency in New Jersey.

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PIANJ is a trade association representing professional, independent insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout New Jersey.