In this issue ...

• State Budget Developments
• NYC Council Considers Bill to Establish Office of Insurance Accountability
• Governor Names Acting Commissioner of DMV
• WCB Highlights Modernization Projects
• NYIA Attends NYC Bar Current Issues in Insurance Regulation 2026
• NYIA Attends Con Ed Powering Micromobility: Demystifying E-Bike Charging Solutions
• Enacted Law Bulletin
• Bills on the Move

State Budget Developments

Both houses passed another extender bill last week to keep last year’s budget in place until a new budget is enacted. We understand that negotiations have progressed between the Legislature and Executive regarding some of the auto insurance proposals, but there does not appear to be definite decisions yet on the other proposals. NYIA is working with auto writers regarding proposals that have been attached to the broader discussion on the auto liability reforms. If you have any questions about the ongoing budget process, please contact Cassandra at canderson@nyia.org.

NYC Council Considers Bill to Establish Office of Insurance Accountability

The New York City Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection held a hearing on Wednesday, April 29, to consider numerous bills, including INT 0685-2026, regarding establishing an office of insurance accountability. NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, who sponsors the legislation, made several remarks about carriers participating in deceptive practices and the need to increase transparency within the insurance industry. Members of the committee held similar perspectives. The NYC Departments of Consumer and Worker Protection testified and shared their concerns with duplicating DFS efforts and confusing consumers regarding which entity should be their point of contact. They further reminded council members that DFS is the sole insurance regulator and that the city agency is limited in understanding and resources regarding complex insurance topics. NAMIC took the lead in drafting joint testimony with NYIA, which can be found here, regarding our significant overarching concerns with the bill. NYIA will continue monitoring for any developments and will keep members informed.

Governor Names Acting Commissioner of DMV

Governor Kathy Hochul announced Christian Jackstadt has been named as Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) following the April 29 retirement of Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. Jackstadt has been serving as Executive Deputy Commissioner of DMV since March 2022. Prior to joining DMV, he served as the Deputy Director of State Operations in the Executive Chamber and as Associate Commissioner for the Office of General Services.

WCB Highlights Modernization Projects

The Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has highlighted several modernization achievements to make the system more efficient. The list includes holding hearing faster, transitioning to electronic RFA-2 and CMS 1500 forms, expanding desk reviews for Section 32 waiver agreements, and adopting regulations to allows residents and fellows to treat claimants. For more details and the full email release, please contact Staci at ssteinfeld@nyia.org.

NYIA Attends NYC Bar Current Issues in Insurance Regulation 2026

NYIA attended a New York City Bar Association event on Friday, April 24 which examined current issues shaping insurance regulation. The program featured panel discussions on government affairs, financial innovation and regulatory response, parametric insurance and trends regulators are observing in New York and other states. NYIA was pleased to co-sponsor the event, which featured a wide array of industry professionals as well as the top regulators from Connecticut, Florida, New York and South Carolina.

NYIA Attends Con Ed Powering Micromobility: Demystifying E-Bike Charging Solutions

NYIA also attended an event hosted by Con Edison on Wednesday, April 29 which focused on fire safety and micromobility and planning, permitting and construction considerations when installing charging infrastructure. Speakers included former Fire Department of New York Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh and representatives from the New York City Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Building, additional speakers from the FDNY and more. If you are interested in learning more about the event or Con Edison’s new e-micromobility infrastructure program, contact Kaitlyn at kflynn@nyia.org.

Enacted Law Bulletin

Two bills have been enacted into law after being signed by Governor Hochul. For more information, please see our most recent Enacted Law Bulletin. Should you have any questions regarding these bills, please contact NYIA's General Counsel, Bob Farley at (518) 986-2037 or bfarley@nyia.org.

Bills on the Move

Several bills progressed through the legislature this last week. If you have any questions on these pieces of legislation, please contact Staci at ssteinfeld@nyia.org.