PIA Victories! NY Senate Follows Montana in Passing Certificates Bill Backed by PIA

New York Bill Awaits Gov. Cuomo's Signature; Montana Bill Introduced by Sen. Fred Thomas Signed Into Law

In a major victory for PIA, both Montana and New York have passed bills backed by PIA to address the large and growing problem all producers face when handling certificate of insurance requests.

In New York, the New York State Senate passed a bill, which was already approved in the New York State Assembly, and sent it to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his signature. PIA of New York said it will continue to work diligently to urge the Governor to sign the bill as soon as it reaches his desk.

In Montana, State Sen. Fred Thomas (R), a past PIA National President, introduced the Certificates of Insurance Model Act (S. 158) and shepherded it to passage. It was signed into law on April 25, 2013 by Gov. Steve Bullock (D).

The victories in Montana and New York cap a two-year long process, in which PIA National took the lead in getting the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) to adopt a model bill to curb requests of agents for illegal Certificates of Insurance. PIA National President Andrew C. Harris led the effort along with PIA National Assistant Vice President of Regulatory Affairs David M. Eppstein, Esq. Harris testified at several NCOIL meetings, urging the legislators to act, because agents are increasingly being asked to add information to certificates of insurance that may not match the underlying policy terms. He also personally brokered a compromise with lenders to address their concerns.

What It Means to Agents: PIA’s leadership on this issue broke a stalemate that had existed for decades. Montana and New York are two of eight states so far to consider the NCOIL certificates model. This achievement is a powerful example of what PIA is able to accomplish for the benefit of PIA members everywhere, when everybody works together.

PIA Achieves Major Win with Certificates Model Law (PIA Connection 12/12)