Gov. Phil Murphy signed S-1559 into law on Tuesday, which allows consumers to bring “bad-faith” lawsuits against insurers to recover certain damages and expenses. Specifically, the new “bad faith” law—which goes into effect immediately—allows consumers to bring...
N.Y.: PIANY-priority anti-arson legislation passes state Assembly
This year marks the second year of the New York state Legislature’s two-year legislative cycle. Any bill that failed to pass during the first year of the session has been returned to its chamber of origin and the process starts anew. The New York state Assembly wasted...
N.Y.: Part II: We need your help: How to garner support for a bill
In Part I, we discussed how a bill is introduced in the state Legislature. In this second installment of articles discussing the legislative process in New York, we will review how to garner support for your bill—both inside and outside the Legislature. Additionally,...
N.Y.: Part I: How an idea becomes a bill
I’m sure many, if not all, of you have seen the Schoolhouse Rock video I’m just a bill, about how a bill becomes a law in the U.S. The video gives an overview of the legislative process. But, have you ever wondered about the work that goes into how a bill becomes law,...
Back to the basics: What to know about commissions
Commissions seem basic: You sell an insurance policy to a client and you get a commission. However—as with all things insurance—it’s never quite that simple. There are laws and regulations regarding commissions, service fees, referral fees and rebating for insurance...
Canceling personal policies—the rules to follow
When insurers choose to cancel—or not to renew—a personal insurance policy, they need to ensure that they comply with the laws of the state in which they do business. Agents need to know these requirements to ensure they and their clients receive the notice of...
Conn.: New punitive damages safeguard: Are you protected?
In July, Gov. Ned Lamont signed Public Act 21-119—which went into effect in Oct. 1, 2021, and protects Connecticut businesses in all industries from punitive damages if there is a cyber-breach that leads to the unauthorized access of personal or restricted...
N.Y.: Dog breed underwriting restrictions change homeowners insurance
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed S.4254 /A.4075 on Oct. 30, 2021, as part of an animal welfare legislative package. The bills—sponsored by Sen. Michael Gianaris, D-12, and Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick, D-66, respectively—prohibit carriers from using the breed of a dog...
The cannabis conundrum in New York
In the first episode of the Emmy award-winning television series Succession, viewers meet Cousin Greg when he smokes marijuana before his first day of work. He gets fired after the marijuana impairs his ability to interact with families while wearing a mascot costume....
Connecticut’s sexual harassment prevention requirements
Every employer in Connecticut is required to take several steps to reduce workplace sexual harassment. However, employers with fewer than three employees are not required to comply with the full legislation. Requirements Employers with three or more employees are...