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.H.: Auto-deductibles legislation introduced in state Senate
Now that the holidays are behind us, we can focus on the upcoming 2022 legislative session in New Hampshire. A look at who’s in charge On one hand, you may recall that Republicans in the state House of Representatives hold a slim majority (207-186-1) in that chamber....
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,...
Life insurance underwriting is getting tougher
COVID-19 and the legalization of adult-use cannabis in New York state has affected underwriting greatly. To complicate matters further, some municipalities are considering opting-out of the cannabis adult-use law. These changes are causing insurance underwriters and...
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...
Conn.: State Legislature extends Lamont’s emergency powers, sports betting begins and health insurance rates are increased
Special session to extend Gov. Lamont’s emergency powers. The Connecticut General Assembly met over the course of two days in late September for a special session to approve an extension of Gov. Ned Lamont’s emergency powers. The extension—which was approved by...
New N.J. law mandates business-interruption disclosure to clients
Gov. Phil Murphy signed A-4805 into law this week. The new law requires insurers to disclose critical information related to business-interruption coverage in commercial insurance policies to consumers. Requirements for insurers The new law serves to correct clients’...
As the summer winds down, Connecticut prepares for cannabis sales and upcoming elections
Typically, August is a sleepy month in the Northeast. Many people are taking vacations or time off, hitting the golf course, and—generally—taking advantage of the weather as summer winds down. Seemingly, this year is no different, especially since the roll-out of...