Big I New York Scores Legislative Wins — But Crucial Proactive Bills Stall as Session Closes
Lawmakers concluded their regularly scheduled 2025 legislative session this week, but work is far from over. Big I New York and the insurance industry secured legislative wins and stopped several negative bills. The largest bill category, however, is important proactive bills that were held in one or both chambers. This means that there is much work to be done over the next six months to prepare for the 2026 legislative session.
Big I New York tracked hundreds of bills this session. The following represents the status of just a handful of priority bills:
PASSED
Support:
- Anti-Arson Application: After decades of advocacy, the mandatory NYC anti-arson form for certain properties is finally being repealed.
- Online Insurance Verification: This legislation authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to replace the 25-year-old Insurance Information and Enforcement System (IIES) with a modern, web-based platform. The new system is needed to reduce errors between DMV vehicle registrations and consumer data provided by carriers, which can result in suspension of registration, revocation of license, and other negative consumer impacts.
Oppose:
- Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable (FAIR) business practices act: This bill gives the State Attorney General additional power to file suit for unfair or deceptive practices, but it is a shell of its original version, which was far more expansive and contained a private right of action. A Big I New York grassroots campaign, combined with efforts by other groups, was critical to the bill being significantly narrowed in scope. We will continue to work with a large coalition of business and industry groups to determine the next steps before the bill reaches the Governor.
- Wrongful Death: For the fourth consecutive year, both the Assembly and Senate passed legislation expanding the types of damages that can be awarded for wrongful deaths. Gov. Hochul has vetoed similar versions of this bill three times in a row. Big I New York will once again urge a veto.
Neutral:
- Third Party Litigation Funding Regulation: Big I New York supports the TPLF consumer protections contained in this bill, but remains concerned that the bill does not go far enough due to the omission of language requiring disclosure in legal proceedings of the presence of TPLF agreements. We will continue to advocate for greater transparency.
- Standardized Definitions for Commonly Used Terms in Personal Lines Insurance: This bill requires the DFS to provide standard definitions for commonly used terms in homeowners and personal lines policies, but permits alternative definitions as long as they are not less favorable to the policyholder. Big I New York is concerned about potential delays in approving policy changes and alternative definitions, given the DFS’s current backlog. We will continue to engage with stakeholders on this bill.
HELD
Oppose:
- Lead Paint Exclusion Prohibition: In a positive development, this bill failed to pass in either chamber this session. Big I New York urged lawmakers to let the state’s new Lead Rental Registry Program take effect in November 2025 to help remove lead from residential properties and reduce exposure. This bill would create more insurance and housing affordability issues and does nothing to support remediation.
Support:
- DFS Consultant Authorization: The DFS has asked for authorization to hire consultants to support rate and form filing reviews. The bill was amended in the final days of the session to address concerns raised by labor unions, but there was not enough time to build support. We will continue to have discussions on this important bill with legislative, labor, and executive leaders.
- Single Producer License: This Big I New York bill consolidates the insurance agent and broker license into a single producer license. We’re grateful for the support of Assembly Member Pam Hunter and State Senator Jamaal Bailey for introducing this insurance modernization legislation.
- Continuing Education Carryover: This bill permits those holding certain insurance licenses to carry forward up to FIVE continuing education credits into a new licensing cycle.
- Excess Lines Diligent Effort Modernization: Several states are removing the diligent effort requirement for placing business in the excess and surplus lines market. We will continue to educate lawmakers on why this is an inefficient and unnecessary requirement.
- Staged Construction Site Accidents: With numerous RICO suits uncovering construction site fraud rings, enhancing penalties for staging a construction site accident will provide authorities with important tools to find and prosecute those responsible for this growing “fraudemic”.
- Staged Auto Accident Penalties: This second phase of “Alice’s Law” will help authorities prosecute the masterminds behind dangerous staged auto accidents.
What’s Next?
It is widely expected that the state legislature will return to Albany to address anticipated federal funding shortfalls included in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” being deliberated by Congress. State lawmakers passed a spending plan that did not account for potential reductions in federal aid. Any return to Albany would likely be post-Labor Day. While they could technically consider legislation unrelated to the state budget, the agenda is unclear at this time.
In the interim, Big I New York will continue to engage lawmakers and other key stakeholders on important issues, with the state of the insurance marketplace being the priority. In-district meetings, legislative breakfasts, and presence at legislative fundraisers via the Independent Agent Political Action Committee (IAPAC), among other events, will be key opportunities to build grassroots legislative relationships, educate policymakers, and support those who appreciate the significance of the insurance industry.
If you are interested in becoming more involved in government relations activities and advocacy, please contact Travis Wattie, Assistant Vice President of Government Relations, to learn more about the Group of 100.
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