Capitol Hill was
buzzing last week with hundreds of independent insurance agents who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 Big “I" Legislative Conference. Big I New York and Connecticut were well-represented with 34 members, plus staff, in attendance.
Armed with legislative priorities and personal experiences, attendees shared compelling arguments with lawmakers and staff from nearly every New York and Connecticut Congressional office. Legal system reform was top of mind as members shared how unregulated third-party litigation financing (TPLF) puts upward pressure on rates in an already challenging marketplace. The
Litigation Transparency Act would require the disclosure of TPLF agreements in civil actions to protect plaintiffs from investors taking an outsized share of the recovery. (
Don't miss the upcoming TPLF webinar to learn more!)
Members also advocated for legislation that would prohibit the use of absolute liability for gravity related job site injuries for projects with federal funding. This federal approach to address New York's labor law 240/241 would help address the limited availability and cost of general liability insurance for New York projects by requiring a comparative negligence standard. Connecticut members also advocated for this bill as many CT-based restoration and construction businesses serving New York face the same insurance challenges.
With approximately $6 saved for every $1 invested into disaster mitigation, members advocated for legislation that would incentivize property owners to invest in hardening infrastructure to protect against natural disaster. They also urged Congress to pass a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood insurance Program (NFIP).
Tax reform was also high on the radar with the expiration of much of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. Members shared the importance of reauthorizing the 20% small business deduction for pass-through entities and emphasized how tax incentives allow them to invest back into their communities through job creation and philanthropic initiatives. The meetings wrapped up with a request to oppose legislative or regulatory efforts to reduce the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP).
The Big I team is deeply grateful for the incredible work done by attendees and looks forward to seeing new and returning members at the 2026 Big “I" Legislative Conference on April 22-24.