| Date of Action |
Assembly Actions -
Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE |
|---|---|
| Jan 06, 2010 |
referred to insurance |
| Mar 18, 2009 |
committee discharged and committed to insurance |
| Jan 12, 2009 |
referred to finance |
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Senate Bill S643
2009-2010 Legislative Session
Enacts the "New York state catastrophe fund authority act"; appropriates $10,000,000 therefor
download bill text pdfSponsored By
(R, C) Senate District
Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Insurance Committee
- Introduced
-
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
-
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
-
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- Delivered to Governor
- Signed By Governor
Actions
2009-S643 (ACTIVE) - Details
- Current Committee:
- Senate Insurance
- Law Section:
- Appropriations
- Laws Affected:
- Add Art 92 ยงยง9201 - 9210, Ins L
2009-S643 (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo
BILL NUMBER: S643
TITLE OF BILL :
An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to establishing the New
York state catastrophe fund authority act and making an appropriation
therefor
PURPOSE :
This is a study bill to obtain comments on establishing a New York
State Catastrophe Fund Authority. Once established, this Fund could be
expanded to cover catastrophic losses in other states or regions of
the country. Such an Authority, if established, could help to
stabilize the property/casualty insurance market for residential and
commercial properties in this state if a mega catastrophe affected New
York.
The purpose of this bill is to develop, on a consensus basis, a
financing mechanism to facilitate the accumulation of surplus capital
so that money will be available should a covered catastrophic event
strike the state. In addition, a regional or national approach may be
needed to address catastrophic losses in the United States. However,
the U.S. Congress has been hesitant to begin discussions on
establishing such a federally sponsored national catastrophe fund.
Instead, Washington seems to want to rely on a Ad Hoc response to reacting to and recovering from natural disasters as they strike. The States should not wait for the Federal Government to establish a coherent and rapid response to catastrophic events. One of the purposes of this bill is to establish a state-based financing mechanism to respond to catastrophic events. Establishing a vehicle such as a Catastrophe Fund that individual states can quickly join, at their own initiative, would address the need of certain states to rapidly create a financing system so that money would be available to quickly respond to a natural disaster. The success of any Cat. Fund is based on the need to spread risk over a wide and diverse geographical area. Establishing a Cat. Fund that addresses the insurance needs of a multitude of states should encourage more states to join such a Fund, and thereby increase its ability to serve the risk management needs of each individual state. This bill will be submitted to the National Conference of Insurance Legislators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for discussion, comment and review. It is the sponsors' hope that this legislation can be used as a vehicle to develop a multi-state Catastrophe Fund that satisfies the needs of States that wish to prepare disaster mitigation plans BEFORE the catastrophic event hits and facilitate the financing of rebuilding activities AFTER the event occurs to reduce the time needed to rebuild devastated communities. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS : Section 1 & 2: Short title and Legislative findings. Section 3: Adds Article 92 to the Insurance Law to establish the New York State Catastrophe Fund Authority. The article sets out how the Fund is to be established, financed, and administered. Further, it lays out the standards the Authority should use in formulating and approving reimbursement contracts and the methodology for setting reimbursement premium rates. The article details how the Authority will operate and ensure that all monies transferred to the Fund will be exempt from Federal & state taxes and insulated so that New York State or any other participating jurisdiction will not be able to raid the fund to support unrelated budgetary items. This bill is modeled after the already existing Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund with some significant differences. The differences are outlined below: Most importantly, the New York Fund would be managed by a public authority so that the fund could not be raided or money shifted from the Fund to the New York State General Fund to be used for other general public uses. The thrust of the Fund is to have a readily accessible source of cash to rebuild communities after a natural disaster strikes. A Cat. Fund, whose only asset is dry appropriation notes guaranteed by the State of New York, would be of no use should a storm hit New York's coastal areas. Section 9201(d) expands the definition of "covered event" in several ways. First, the NY Cat. Fund Authority expands the number of covered perils and lines of business that are included when compared to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The Florida Hurricane Cat. Fund covers residential properties, while the New York Fund would cover both residential and commercial properties. Second, it expands the number of covered events that are included when compared to the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund. The Florida Fund covers hurricane damage (i.e. wind damage), while the New York Fund would include, wind borne damage (including wind-borne water damage), ice storm damage, earthquakes, and other catastrophic events caused by nature or acts of God. The reason earthquake perils are covered is so that if, at some point, it is advantageous to merge with the California Earthquake Authority, the New York Authority will be able to do so. Section 9201(k) has approximately the same loss threshold contained in the Florida Hurricane Cat. Fund ($4.5 Billion in 2005 and $ 5.3 Billion in 2006) before payments can be transferred from the NY Cat. Authority to primary insurance carriers for covered losses ($6 Billion). The New York threshold of $ 6 Billion would increase each year at the same percentage as the growth rate in premiums for covered policies. State sponsored Cat. Funds should cover only truly catastrophic events so that the international reinsurance market can accumulate private capital to cover insurer losses that are under a $6 Billion threshold level or above $ 15 Billion level for each covered event. In addition, the New York Cat. Authority caps its liability to pay for catastrophic damage at $15 Billion per covered event. This is the same approximate level as is contained in the Florida Hurricane Cat. Fund. In addition, Section 9201(k), unlike the Florida Hurricane Cat. Fund, the New York Authority does not set out definitive coverage levels at 90 percent, 75 percent, or 45 percent. It permits the Authority to establish loss coverage level bands of between 90 - 80 percent (first coverage level), 80 - 70 percent (second coverage level), and 60 - 50 percent (third coverage level). Creating these coverage level bands instead of fixed percentages will facilitate the ability of the Authority to craft their contracts with primary insurers so that coverage levels will be set at levels that best suit the needs of each individual domestic insurer. Section 9202-b expands the general powers of the New York Authority so that it includes all of the general powers of the existing Florida Fund that covers Florida perils to also include the ability to invest in prudent catastrophe notes, bonds, options, swaps and risk futures or other prudent financial instruments to maximize the financial capacity of the fund. It is important to maximize the financial capacity of the fund so that it is able to cover catastrophic covered events that occur in New York. Section 9203(b) includes provisions so that New York domestic insurers can select from a wider array of catastrophic coverage levels to better suit their individual businesses and book of business. Like the Florida Hurricane Fund, the New York Authority, if it has no money available to pay claims after a catastrophic event has hit, can assess a fee on all property/casualty insurers in the state of no more than 2 percent of the gross direct written premium in the entire state. Section 9205 (c) is different from the Florida Cat. Fund in that the Authority can also assess, in lieu of a state-wide fee, a fee of 2 percent or less based on a smaller geographical region than the entire state that has been hit by a catastrophic event. Upon a declared emergency by the Governor, an assessment of up to 4 percent can be levied, but under no circumstances can an annual assessment of 10 percent or more be levied even if there are 3 or more covered events in one year. Section 9206(c) authorizes the Authority to develop new financing mechanisms to maximize the capacity of the Fund. The Authority should work specifically with national and international reinsurers to develop financial instruments so that reinsurers, insurers, and banks can place capital with the fund and receive commensurate federal and state income and franchise tax deductions, credits or deferrals. Section 9206(c) also authorizes various public and private organizations and businesses to work together to develop new ways to mitigate catastrophic losses from a natural event before, during and after the event. Further, it puts particular emphasis on increasing the speed of recovery of local social, economic and political institutions, businesses, and infrastructure after a covered catastrophic event has occurred. Section 9209 specifically mandates the New York Cat. Fund Authority to work with other existing Catastrophe Funds to merge operations and/or jointly or in a cooperative manner, provide insurance coverages or set premium rates. This can be done by facilitating the expansion of the New York Fund to include catastrophic coverages incurred in other states (if adequate premiums are paid to the New York Fund) or merging with other already existing federal, regional or state Cat. Funds. Section 4: Appropriates $10 million to the Authority. EXISTING LAW : None. JUSTIFICATION : The national and New York residential and commercial property insurance market has become tighter due to the massive losses sustained by property/casualty insurers due to recent hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters across the country. To promote economic growth and to ensure that there is a mechanism in place to rapidly pay claims and rebuild communities if a catastrophic event occurs, this bill establishes a catastrophic fund authority as a back stop financial entity to ensure that insurers have the financial ability to pay claims and continue business operations after the covered event. The catastrophic losses sustained in hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, earthquakes in California and the ice storms in New York highlight the need to establish either reinsurance safeguards, a catastrophe fund, or some other risk sharing mechanism so that there will be sufficient financial resources to recover and rebuild after a catastrophic event has occurred. This bill suggests a mechanism by which insurers can obtain additional and affordable reinsurance protection from significant natural disasters. This could help property/casualty insurers to remain solvent should a catastrophe hit, pay claims on a timely basis, and very importantly, allow carriers to CONTINUE TO write more residential and commercial insurance to protect local homes and businesses with minimal increases in premiums AFTER a catastrophic event occurs. One goal of introducing this bill is to develop, on a consensus manner, a financing mechanism so that should a natural disaster hit, policy holders will be able to quickly receive cash payments from their insurers to facilitate home reconstruction. The fund is to be managed by a public authority so that it can receive both state and federal tax exempt status to allow capital to build up more quickly and discourage the State from raiding such a fund. Since Washington has been reluctant to begin to plan for future mega natural disasters and has relied instead on an Ad Hoc basis to respond to such events and finance recovery efforts, the States must join forces to develop their own mechanism to mitigate against the loss of life and property damage caused by future natural disasters and facilitate reconstruction after the event. This bill will be submitted to the National Conference of Insurance Legislators and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to add to the ongoing discussions that are occurring to develop and implement either a multi-state or national catastrophe fund or some other risk sharing mechanism to finance reconstruction of communities after a natural disaster has occurred. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY : Same as S.6673/A.9885 of 2005/2006. Portions of this bill were derived from Senate Bill 2826 (Velella) of 1997. S.1883 of 2007/2008 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : $10 million. LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS : None. EFFECTIVE DATE : Immediate.
2009-S643 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf
S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
643
2009-2010 Regular Sessions
I N S E N A T E
January 12, 2009
___________
Introduced by Sen. LARKIN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
printed to be committed to the Committee on Finance
AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to establishing the New
York state catastrophe fund authority act and making an appropriation
therefor
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Short title. This act shall be known and may be cited as
the "New York state catastrophe fund authority act".
S 2. Legislative findings and declaration. The legislature finds and
declares:
1. There is a compelling state interest to maintain a viable and
orderly private sector property/casualty insurance market for both resi-
dential and commercial properties in this state and across the United
States. To the extent that the private sector is unable to maintain an
orderly market, due to catastrophic losses from natural disasters, state
action to maintain an orderly insurance market is a necessary exercise
of police power;
2. As a result of scores of billions of dollars in insured losses from
natural disasters this past year across the nation and the world, due to
either chance or as a result of global warming, numerous insurers are
now beginning to reduce their loss exposure from natural disasters by
pulling out of certain insurance markets. The potential instability of
the world reinsurance market, which has been caused in part by these
events, has also increased pressure on direct insurers to reduce their
risk exposure from a catastrophic loss;
3. The formation of a public authority to provide reimbursement to
insurers for a portion of their catastrophic losses should create addi-
tional insurance capacity to ameliorate the current dangers to the
state's economy and to the public health, safety and welfare; and
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05228-01-9
S. 643 2
4. To increase insurance industry capacity to cover insured losses, it
is essential that revenues received by such authority be exempt from
federal and state taxation. It is therefore the intent of the legisla-
ture that this program be structured as a public authority to operate
the fund. Furthermore, funds held by such fund will be protected and
remain available to pay for catastrophic losses and not used for state
budget general fund expenditures.
S 3. The insurance law is amended by adding a new article 92 to read
as follows:
ARTICLE 92
NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY
SECTION 9201. DEFINITIONS.
9202. NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND.
9202-A. NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY.
9202-B. GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY.
9203. REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS.
9204. REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUMS.
9205. REVENUE BONDS.
9206. ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES.
9206-A. NOTES AND BONDS OF THE AUTHORITY.
9206-B. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE.
9206-C. NOTES AND BONDS AS LEGAL INVESTMENT.
9207. ADVISORY COUNCIL.
9208. VIOLATIONS.
9209. INTERNATIONAL, FEDERAL, STATE, REGIONAL OR MULTISTATE
CATASTROPHE FUNDS.
9210. FUND ASSETS UPON TERMINATION.
S 9201. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE:
(A) "ACTUARIALLY INDICATED" MEANS, WITH RESPECT TO PREMIUMS PAID BY
INSURERS FOR REIMBURSEMENT PROVIDED BY THE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY,
AN AMOUNT DETERMINED ACCORDING TO PRINCIPLES OF ACTUARIAL SCIENCE TO BE
ADEQUATE, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE, IN THE AGGREGATE, TO PAY CURRENT AND FUTURE
OBLIGATIONS AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND, INCLUDING ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS IF
NEEDED TO PAY DEBT SERVICE ON REVENUE BONDS ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE
AND TO PROVIDE REQUIRED DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNTS
REQUIRED TO PAY ACTUAL DEBT SERVICE ON REVENUE BONDS ISSUED UNDER
SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE, AND DETERMINED
ACCORDING TO PRINCIPLES OF ACTUARIAL SCIENCE TO REFLECT EACH INSURER'S
RELATIVE EXPOSURE TO LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS.
(B) "AUTHORITY" MEANS THE NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY.
(C) "BOND" MEANS ANY BOND, DEBENTURE, NOTE OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF FINAN-
CIAL INDEBTEDNESS ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
(D) "COVERED EVENT" MEANS: (1) ANY WIND STORM, INCLUDING WIND BORNE
WATER DAMAGE, WHICH STORM CAUSES INSURED LOSSES IN THIS STATE; (2) ALL
EARTHQUAKES THAT ARE DECLARED TO BE EARTHQUAKES BY THE UNITED STATES
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, AND WHICH CAUSES INSURED LOSSES IN THIS STATE; (3)
ALL ICE STORMS THAT ARE DECLARED BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO BE
DESIGNATED AS A NATIONAL DISASTER; AND (4) ANY OTHER CATASTROPHIC EVENT
CAUSED BY NATURE OR AN ACT OF GOD THAT IS DEEMED TO BE A MAJOR
CATASTROPHIC EVENT AS DESIGNATED BY THE GOVERNOR.
(E) "COVERED POLICY" MEANS ANY INSURANCE POLICY COVERING RESIDENTIAL
OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN THIS STATE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY
HOMEOWNER'S, MOBILE HOME OWNER'S, FARM OWNER'S, CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION,
CONDOMINIUM UNIT OWNER'S, TENANT'S OR APARTMENT BUILDING POLICY, OR ANY
OTHER POLICY COVERING A RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE OR ITS CONTENTS ISSUED BY
ANY AUTHORIZED INSURER, INCLUDING A POLICY ISSUED BY THE NEW YORK PROP-
S. 643 3
ERTY INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION, OR ANY INSURANCE POLICY COVER-
ING COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES FROM PHYSICAL DAMAGE DUE TO ACTS OF NATURE OR
ACTS OF GOD. "COVERED POLICY" DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY REINSURANCE AGREE-
MENT OR ANY POLICY THAT EXCLUDES COVERAGE FOR THE PERIL REFERRED TO IN
SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION.
(F) "DEBT SERVICE" MEANS THE AMOUNT REQUIRED IN ANY FISCAL YEAR TO PAY
THE PRINCIPAL OF, REDEMPTION PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND INTEREST ON REVENUE
BONDS AND ANY AMOUNTS REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF DOCUMENTS AUTHORIZING,
SECURING OR PROVIDING LIQUIDITY FOR REVENUE BONDS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN
IN EFFECT ANY SUCH LIQUIDITY OR SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS.
(G) "DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE" MEANS THE AMOUNT, IF ANY, REQUIRED BY THE
DOCUMENTS UNDER WHICH REVENUE BONDS ARE ISSUED, WHICH AMOUNT IS TO BE
RECEIVED IN ANY FISCAL YEAR IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO PAY DEBT
SERVICE FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR.
(H) "LOCAL GOVERNMENT" SHALL MEAN ANY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR VILLAGE.
(I) "LOSSES" MEANS DIRECT INCURRED LOSSES UNDER COVERED POLICIES,
EXCLUDING LOSSES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ADDITIONAL LIVING EXPENSE COVERAGES AND
EXCLUDING LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES.
(J) "PLEDGED REVENUES" MEANS ALL OR ANY PORTION OF REVENUES TO BE
DERIVED FROM REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUMS OR FROM ASSESSMENTS, AS DETERMINED
BY THE AUTHORITY.
(K) "RETENTION" MEANS THE AMOUNT OF LOSSES BELOW WHICH AND ABOVE WHICH
AN INSURER IS NOT ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE FUND. AN INSURER'S
RETENTION SHALL BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
(L) THE AUTHORITY SHALL CALCULATE AND REPORT TO EACH INSURER THE
RETENTION MULTIPLES FOR THAT YEAR. FOR THE CONTRACT YEAR BEGINNING MAY
FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TEN, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE SHALL BE EQUAL TO SIX
BILLION DOLLARS, DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL ESTIMATED REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM
FOR THE CONTRACT YEAR; FOR SUBSEQUENT YEARS, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE
SHALL BE EQUAL TO SIX BILLION DOLLARS, ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE PERCENT-
AGE GROWTH IN PREMIUM FOR COVERED POLICIES SINCE MAY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND
TEN, DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL ESTIMATED REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM FOR THE
CONTRACT YEAR. IN ADDITION, FOR THE CONTRACT YEAR BEGINNING MAY FIRST,
TWO THOUSAND TEN, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE SHALL BE ABOVE FIFTEEN BILLION
DOLLARS, DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL ESTIMATED REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM FOR THE
CONTRACT YEAR; AND FOR SUBSEQUENT CONTRACT YEARS, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE
SHALL BE ABOVE FIFTEEN BILLION DOLLARS, ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE PERCENT-
AGE GROWTH IN PREMIUMS FOR COVERED POLICIES SINCE MAY FIRST, TWO THOU-
SAND TEN, DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL ESTIMATED REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM FOR THE
CONTRACT YEAR. PARTICIPATING INSURERS SHALL RETAIN LOSSES BELOW SIX
BILLION DOLLARS AND ABOVE FIFTEEN BILLION DOLLARS AS ADJUSTED ANNUALLY
TO REFLECT INCREASES OR DECREASES IN THE GROWTH IN PREMIUM FOR COVERED
POLICIES. TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM FOR PURPOSES OF THE CALCULATION
UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE ESTIMATED USING THE ASSUMPTION THAT ALL
INSURERS HAVE SELECTED A PERCENTAGE COVERAGE LEVEL ESTABLISHED BY THE
AUTHORITY. SUCH PERCENTAGE COVERAGE SHALL NOT BE SET LOWER THAN EIGHTY
PERCENT NOR HIGHER THAN NINETY PERCENT.
(2) THE RETENTION MULTIPLE DETERMINED UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS
SUBSECTION SHALL BE ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE COVERAGE LEVEL ELECTED BY
THE INSURER. FOR INSURERS ELECTING THE FIRST COVERAGE LEVEL SET BY THE
AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO SUCH PARAGRAPH, THE ADJUSTED RETENTION MULTIPLE IS
ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT DETERMINED UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS
SUBSECTION. FOR INSURERS ELECTING THE SECOND COVERAGE LEVEL TO BE
ESTABLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY AT NOT MORE THAN EIGHTY PERCENT NOR LESS
THAN SEVENTY PERCENT, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE IS ONE HUNDRED TWENTY
PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT DETERMINED UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBSECTION.
S. 643 4
FOR INSURERS ELECTING THE THIRD COVERAGE LEVEL TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE
AUTHORITY AT NOT MORE THAN SEVENTY PERCENT NOR LESS THAN FIFTY PERCENT,
THE ADJUSTED RETENTION MULTIPLE IS TWO HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT
DETERMINED UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBSECTION.
(3) AN INSURER SHALL DETERMINE ITS PROVISIONAL RETENTION BY MULTIPLY-
ING ITS PROVISIONAL REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM BY THE APPLICABLE ADJUSTED
RETENTION MULTIPLE, AND SHALL DETERMINE ITS ACTUAL RETENTION BY MULTI-
PLYING ITS ACTUAL REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM BY THE APPLICABLE ADJUSTED
RETENTION MULTIPLE.
S 9202. NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND. THERE IS HEREBY CREATED THE
NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE AUTHORITY.
MONEYS IN THE FUND MAY NOT BE EXPENDED, LOANED OR APPROPRIATED EXCEPT TO
PAY OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY ARISING OUT OF REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS
ENTERED INTO UNDER SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTI-
CLE, PAYMENT OF DEBT SERVICE ON REVENUE BONDS ISSUED UNDER SECTION NINE
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE, COSTS OF THE MITIGATION
PROGRAM UNDER SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED SIX OF THIS ARTICLE,
COSTS OF PROCURING REINSURANCE, AND COSTS OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE
AUTHORITY. THE AUTHORITY SHALL INVEST THE MONEYS IN THE FUND PURSUANT
TO APPLICABLE STATE LAWS REGULATING INVESTMENT OF STATE FUNDS. EXCEPT AS
OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE, EARNINGS FROM ALL INVESTMENTS SHALL
BE RETAINED IN THE FUND. THE AUTHORITY MAY ADOPT SUCH RULES AS ARE
REASONABLE AND NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS ARTICLE. SUCH RULES MUST
CONFORM TO THE LEGISLATURE'S SPECIFIC INTENT IN ESTABLISHING THE NEW
YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND, MUST ENHANCE THE FUND'S POTENTIAL ABILITY
TO RESPOND TO CLAIMS FOR COVERED EVENTS, MUST CONTAIN GENERAL PROVISIONS
SO THAT THE RULES CAN BE APPLIED WITH REASONABLE FLEXIBILITY SO AS TO
ACCOMMODATE INSURERS IN SITUATIONS OF AN UNUSUAL NATURE OR WHERE UNDUE
HARDSHIP MAY RESULT, EXCEPT THAT SUCH FLEXIBILITY MAY NOT IN ANY WAY
IMPAIR, OVERRIDE, SUPERSEDE OR CONSTRAIN THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF THE FUND,
AND MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH SOUND INSURANCE PRACTICES. THE AUTHORITY
MAY, BY RULE, PROVIDE FOR THE EXEMPTION FROM SECTIONS NINE THOUSAND TWO
HUNDRED THREE AND NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE FOR
INSURERS WRITING COVERED POLICIES WITH LESS THAN FOUR MILLION DOLLARS IN
AGGREGATE EXPOSURE FOR COVERED POLICIES, WHICH EXPOSURE RESULTS IN A DE
MINIMIS REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM, IF THE EXEMPTION DOES NOT AFFECT THE
ACTUARIAL SOUNDNESS OF THE FUND.
S 9202-A. NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY. THERE IS HEREBY
CREATED THE "NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY". (A) (1) THE
AUTHORITY SHALL BE A BODY CORPORATE AND POLITIC CONSTITUTING A PUBLIC
BENEFIT CORPORATION. THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONSIST OF A CHAIR AND NINETEEN
OTHER MEMBERS. THE CHAIR OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
GOVERNOR. TWO OF THE NINETEEN MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED ON THE WRITTEN
RECOMMENDATION OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK. TEN MEMBERS SHALL
BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR OF WHICH THREE OF THOSE MEMBERS SHALL BE
THE SUPERINTENDENT AND THE COMMISSIONERS OF TAXATION AND FINANCE AND
TRANSPORTATION. THE STATE COMPTROLLER SHALL BE A MEMBER OF THIS BOARD.
TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE,
TWO BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND ONE EACH BY THE MINORITY LEADER
OF THE SENATE AND THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY. THE CHAIR AND
EACH OF THE MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS,
PROVIDED HOWEVER, THAT THE CHAIR FIRST APPOINTED SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM
ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO THOUSAND TWELVE, AND THE EIGHTEEN OTHER
MEMBERS FIRST APPOINTED SHALL SERVE FOR THE FOLLOWING TERMS: THE FOUR
MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE
SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY SHALL EACH SERVE FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE THIRTI-
S. 643 5
ETH, TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN; THE TWO MEMBERS APPOINTED ON RECOMMENDATION
OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK SHALL EACH SERVE FOR A TERM ENDING
JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN, TWO OF THE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY
THE GOVERNOR SHALL EACH SERVE FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO
THOUSAND FIFTEEN; TWO OF THE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL
EACH SERVE FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO THOUSAND SIXTEEN, TWO
OF THE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL EACH SERVE FOR A TERM
ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN, AND TWO OF THE MEMBERS
APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH,
TWO THOUSAND EIGHTEEN.
(2) VACANCIES OCCURRING OTHERWISE THAN BY EXPIRATION OF TERM SHALL BE
FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS FOR THE BALANCE OF
THE UNEXPIRED TERM.
(B) THE CHAIR SHALL BE PAID A SALARY IN THE AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE
AUTHORITY; THE OTHER MEMBERS SHALL NOT RECEIVE A SALARY OR OTHER COMPEN-
SATION. EACH MEMBER, INCLUDING THE CHAIR, SHALL BE ENTITLED TO
REIMBURSEMENT FOR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE PERFORM-
ANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES.
(C) A MAJORITY OF THE WHOLE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY THEN IN
OFFICE SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF ANY BUSINESS OR
THE EXERCISE OF ANY POWER OF THE AUTHORITY. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SPECI-
FIED IN THIS ARTICLE, FOR THE TRANSACTION OF ANY BUSINESS OR THE EXER-
CISE OF ANY POWER OF THE AUTHORITY, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER TO
ACT BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT AT ANY MEETING AT WHICH A
QUORUM IS IN ATTENDANCE AND EXCEPT FURTHER, THAT IN THE EVENT OF A TIE
VOTE THE CHAIR SHALL CAST ONE ADDITIONAL VOTE.
(D) THE CHAIR SHALL BE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE AUTHORITY
AND SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DISCHARGE OF THE EXECUTIVE AND ADMINIS-
TRATIVE FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY. ON RECOMMENDATION OF THE
CHAIR, THE AUTHORITY SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO SHALL BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE
AUTHORITY AND WHO SHALL NOT BE A MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY. THE CHAIR
SHALL BE EMPOWERED TO DELEGATE ANY ONE OR MORE OF HIS OR HER FUNCTIONS
OR POWERS TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE CHAIR
SHALL DELEGATE TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SUCH FUNCTIONS AND POWERS,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THAT OF APPOINTMENT, DISCIPLINE AND
REMOVAL OF OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES, AS ARE NECESSARY FOR THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR TO DISCHARGE HIS OR HER RESPONSIBILITIES.
(E) THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE A "STATE AGENCY" FOR THE PURPOSES OF
SECTIONS SEVENTY-THREE AND SEVENTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW.
(F) THE GOVERNOR MAY REMOVE ANY MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY FOR INEFFI-
CIENCY, NEGLECT OF DUTY OR MISCONDUCT IN OFFICE AFTER GIVING HIM OR HER
A COPY OF THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM OR HER AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD,
IN PERSON OR BY COUNSEL IN HIS OR HER DEFENSE, UPON NOT LESS THAN TEN
DAYS' NOTICE. IF ANY MEMBER SHALL BE SO REMOVED, THE GOVERNOR SHALL FILE
IN THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF CHARGES
MADE AGAINST SUCH MEMBER, AND HIS OR HER FINDINGS THEREON, TOGETHER WITH
A COMPLETE RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
S 9202-B. GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE LIMITED
BY THIS ARTICLE, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER:
(A) TO SUE AND BE SUED;
(B) TO HAVE A SEAL AND ALTER THE SAME AT PLEASURE;
(C) TO BORROW MONEY AND ISSUE NEGOTIABLE NOTES, BONDS OR OTHER OBLI-
GATIONS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS THEREOF;
(D) TO INVEST ANY FUNDS HELD IN RESERVE OR SINKING FUNDS, OR ANY
MONIES NOT REQUIRED FOR IMMEDIATE USE OR DISBURSEMENT, AT THE DISCRETION
S. 643 6
OF THE AUTHORITY, IN (1) OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE OR THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT, (2) REASONABLY PRUDENT CATASTROPHE NOTES, BONDS, OPTIONS,
SWAPS AND RISK FUTURES OR OTHER PRUDENT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS TO MAXI-
MIZE THE FINANCIAL CAPACITY OF THE FUND, (3) OBLIGATIONS THE PRINCIPAL
AND INTEREST OF WHICH ARE GUARANTEED BY THE STATE OR THE UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT, (4) CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT OF BANKS OR TRUST COMPANIES IN
THIS STATE, SECURED, IF THE AUTHORITY SHALL SO REQUIRE, BY OBLIGATIONS
OF THE UNITED STATES OR OF THE STATE OF A MARKET VALUE EQUAL AT ALL
TIMES TO THE AMOUNT OF THE DEPOSIT, AND (5) AS TO THE SAID RESERVE AND
SINKING FUNDS, OTHER SECURITIES IN WHICH THE TRUSTEE OR TRUSTEES OF ANY
PUBLIC RETIREMENT SYSTEM OR PENSION FUND HAS THE POWER TO INVEST THE
MONEYS THEREOF PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FOUR-A OF THE RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL
SECURITY LAW, EACH SUCH RESERVE AND SINKING FUND BEING TREATED AS A
SEPARATE FUND FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE FOUR-A OF SUCH LAW;
(E) TO MAKE AND ALTER BY-LAWS FOR ITS ORGANIZATION AND INTERNAL
MANAGEMENT, AND RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE EXERCISE OF ITS
POWERS AND THE FULFILLMENT OF ITS PURPOSES UNDER THIS ARTICLE;
(F) TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS AND LEASES AND TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY
INSTRUMENTS;
(G) TO ACQUIRE, HOLD AND DISPOSE OF REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY IN THE
EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS;
(H) TO APPOINT SUCH OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES AS IT MAY REQUIRE FOR THE
PERFORMANCE OF ITS DUTIES, AND TO FIX AND DETERMINE THEIR QUALIFICA-
TIONS, DUTIES, AND COMPENSATION AND TO RETAIN OR EMPLOY COUNSEL, AUDI-
TORS, ENGINEERS AND PRIVATE CONSULTANTS ON A CONTRACT BASIS OR OTHERWISE
FOR RENDERING PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ADVICE;
(I) TO BE A "PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER" IN THE NEW YORK STATE AND LOCAL
EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SYSTEM WITH RESPECT TO ONE OR MORE CLASSES OF
OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF SUCH AUTHORITY, AS MAY BE PROVIDED BY RESOL-
UTION OF SUCH AUTHORITY, OR ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT THEREOF, FILED WITH
THE COMPTROLLER AND ACCEPTED BY HIM OR HER PURSUANT TO SECTION
THIRTY-ONE OF THE RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY LAW; AND
(J) TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT ITS PURPOSES AND FOR THE
EXERCISE OF THE POWERS GRANTED IN THIS ARTICLE.
S 9203. REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS. (A) THE AUTHORITY SHALL ENTER INTO A
CONTRACT WITH EACH INSURER WRITING COVERED POLICIES IN THIS STATE TO
PROVIDE TO THE INSURER THE REIMBURSEMENT DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (B) OF
THIS SECTION, IN EXCHANGE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM PAID TO THE FUND
UNDER SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE. AS A
CONDITION OF DOING BUSINESS IN THIS STATE, EACH SUCH INSURER SHALL ENTER
INTO SUCH A CONTRACT.
(B) (1) THE CONTRACT SHALL CONTAIN A PROMISE BY THE AUTHORITY TO REIM-
BURSE THE INSURER FOR THE FIRST, SECOND OR THIRD PERCENTAGE COVERAGE
LEVEL FOR ITS LOSSES FROM EACH COVERED EVENT IN EXCESS OF THE INSURER'S
RETENTION, PLUS FIVE PERCENT OF THE REIMBURSED LOSSES TO COVER LOSS
ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES.
(2) THE INSURER MUST ELECT ONE OF THE THREE COVERAGE LEVELS SPECIFIED
IN THIS SUBSECTION AND MAY, UPON RENEWAL OF A REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT:
(A) ELECT A LOWER PERCENTAGE COVERAGE LEVEL IF NO REVENUE BONDS ISSUED
UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIVE OF THIS
ARTICLE AFTER A COVERED EVENT ARE OUTSTANDING; OR
(B) ELECT A HIGHER PERCENTAGE COVERAGE LEVEL.
(3) ALL MEMBERS OF AN INSURER GROUP MUST ELECT THE SAME COVERAGE
LEVEL. THE NEW YORK PROPERTY INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION MUST
ELECT THE FIRST PERCENTAGE COVERAGE LEVEL.
S. 643 7
(4) THE CONTRACT SHALL PROVIDE THAT REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS SHALL NOT BE
REDUCED BY REINSURANCE PAID OR PAYABLE TO THE INSURER FROM OTHER SOURC-
ES; HOWEVER, RECOVERIES FROM SUCH OTHER SOURCES, TAKEN TOGETHER WITH
REIMBURSEMENTS UNDER THE CONTRACT, SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
OF THE INSURER'S LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS. IF SUCH RECOVERIES AND
REIMBURSEMENTS EXCEED ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE INSURER'S LOSSES FROM
COVERED EVENTS, AND IF THERE IS NO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE INSURER AND THE
REINSURER TO THE CONTRARY, ANY AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
OF THE INSURER'S LOSSES SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE FUND.
(C) THE CONTRACT SHALL ALSO PROVIDE THAT THE OBLIGATION OF THE AUTHOR-
ITY WITH RESPECT TO ALL CONTRACTS COVERING A PARTICULAR YEAR SHALL NOT
EXCEED THE BALANCE OF THE FUND AS OF DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST OF THE
PARTICULAR YEAR, TOGETHER WITH THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT THE AUTHORITY IS
ABLE TO RAISE THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS UNDER SECTION NINE
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE. THE CONTRACT SHALL REQUIRE
THE AUTHORITY TO ANNUALLY NOTIFY INSURERS OF THE FUND'S ANTICIPATED
BORROWING CAPACITY AT YEAR END, THE PROJECTED YEAR END BALANCE OF THE
FUND, AND THE INSURER'S ESTIMATED SHARE OF TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM
TO BE PAID TO THE FUND FOR THE CONTRACT YEAR. FOR ALL REGULATORY AND
REINSURANCE PURPOSES, AN INSURER MAY CALCULATE ITS PROJECTED PAYOUT FROM
THE FUND AS ITS SHARE OF THE TOTAL FUND PREMIUM FOR THE CURRENT CONTRACT
YEAR MULTIPLIED BY THE SUM OF PROJECTED YEAR-END FUND BALANCE AND BOND-
ING CAPACITY AS REPORTED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION. IN MAY AND OCTOBER OF
EACH YEAR, THE AUTHORITY SHALL PUBLISH IN THE STATE REGISTER A STATEMENT
OF THE FUND'S ANTICIPATED BORROWING CAPACITY AND THE PROJECTED YEAR-END
BALANCE OF THE FUND FOR THE CURRENT CONTRACT YEAR.
(D) (1) THE CONTRACT SHALL REQUIRE THE INSURER TO REPORT TO THE
AUTHORITY, AS DIRECTED, NO LATER THAN DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST OF EACH
YEAR, AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER, THE INSURER'S LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS
FOR THE YEAR. THE CONTRACT SHALL REQUIRE THE AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE AND
PAY, AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER RECEIVING THESE REPORTS, THE INITIAL
AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT DUE ON A PAID BASIS AND ADJUSTMENTS TO THIS
AMOUNT BASED ON LATER LOSS INFORMATION. THE ADJUSTMENTS TO REIMBURSEMENT
AMOUNTS SHALL REQUIRE THE AUTHORITY TO PAY, OR THE INSURER TO RETURN,
AMOUNTS REFLECTING THE MOST RECENT CALCULATION OF LOSSES.
(2) IF THE AUTHORITY DETERMINES THAT THE PROJECTED YEAR-END BALANCE OF
THE FUND, TOGETHER WITH THE AMOUNT THAT THE AUTHORITY DETERMINES THAT IT
IS POSSIBLE TO RAISE THROUGH REVENUE BONDS ISSUED UNDER SECTION NINE
THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE, ARE INSUFFICIENT TO PAY
REIMBURSEMENT TO ALL INSURERS AT THE LEVEL PROMISED IN THE CONTRACT, THE
AUTHORITY SHALL:
(A) PAY TO EACH INSURER THE AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT IT IS OWED, UP TO
AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE INSURER'S SHARE OF THE ACTUAL PREMIUM PAID FOR
THAT CONTRACT YEAR, MULTIPLIED BY THE ACTUAL CLAIMS-PAYING CAPACITY
AVAILABLE FOR THAT CONTRACT YEAR.
(B) THEREAFTER, ESTABLISH, BASED ON REIMBURSABLE LOSSES, THE PRORATED
REIMBURSEMENT LEVEL AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL FOR WHICH ANY REMAINING FUND
BALANCE OR BOND PROCEEDS ARE SUFFICIENT.
(E) THE CONTRACT SHALL PROVIDE THAT IF AN INSURER DEMONSTRATES TO THE
AUTHORITY THAT IT IS LIKELY TO QUALIFY FOR REIMBURSEMENT UNDER THE
CONTRACT, AND DEMONSTRATES TO THE AUTHORITY THAT THE IMMEDIATE RECEIPT
OF MONEYS IS LIKELY TO PREVENT THE INSURER FROM BECOMING INSOLVENT, THE
AUTHORITY SHALL ADVANCE TO THE INSURER, AT MARKET INTEREST RATES, THE
AMOUNTS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE SOLVENCY OF THE INSURER, UP TO FIFTY
PERCENT OF THE AUTHORITY'S ESTIMATE OF THE REIMBURSEMENT DUE THE INSUR-
S. 643 8
ER. THE INSURER'S REIMBURSEMENT SHALL BE REDUCED BY AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO
THE AMOUNT OF THE ADVANCE AND INTEREST THEREON.
(F) THE CONTRACT SHALL PROVIDE THAT IN THE EVENT OF THE INSOLVENCY OF
AN INSURER, THE FUND SHALL PAY DIRECTLY TO THE PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSUR-
ANCE SECURITY FUND PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED
ONE OF THIS CHAPTER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INSURER'S POLICYHOLDERS IN
THIS STATE THE NET AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT MONEYS OWED TO THE INSURER.
AS USED IN THIS SUBSECTION, THE "NET AMOUNT OF ALL REIMBURSEMENT MONEYS"
MEANS THAT AMOUNT WHICH REMAINS AFTER REIMBURSEMENT FOR PRELIMINARY OR
DUPLICATE PAYMENTS OWED TO PRIVATE REINSURERS OR OTHER INURING REINSUR-
ANCE PAYMENTS TO PRIVATE REINSURERS THAT SATISFY STATUTORY OR CONTRACTU-
AL OBLIGATIONS OF THE INSOLVENT INSURER ATTRIBUTABLE TO COVERED EVENTS
TO SUCH REINSURERS. SUCH PRIVATE REINSURERS SHALL BE REIMBURSED OR
OTHERWISE PAID PRIOR TO PAYMENT TO THE PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE SECU-
RITY FUND PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED ONE OF THIS
CHAPTER, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY. THE
GUARANTY ASSOCIATION SHALL PAY ALL CLAIMS UP TO THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT
PERMITTED BY ARTICLE SEVENTY-SIX OF THIS CHAPTER; THEREAFTER, ANY
REMAINING MONEYS SHALL BE PAID PRO RATA TO CLAIMS NOT FULLY SATISFIED.
(G) THE AUTHORITY SHALL AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
ADOPT THE INITIAL CONTRACT FORM NO LATER THAN DECEMBER FIRST, TWO THOU-
SAND NINE AND MUST ADOPT THE INITIAL PREMIUM FORMULA NO LATER THAN JANU-
ARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TEN. INITIAL REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS UNDER THIS
ARTICLE MUST BE ENTERED INTO NO EARLIER THAN FEBRUARY FIRST, TWO THOU-
SAND TEN AND NO LATER THAN MAY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TEN.
S 9204. REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUMS. (A) EACH REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT SHALL
REQUIRE THE INSURER TO ANNUALLY PAY TO THE FUND AN ACTUARIALLY INDICATED
PREMIUM FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT PROMISED.
(B) THE AUTHORITY, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT, SHALL
SELECT AN INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP A FORMULA TO DETERMINE THE
ACTUARIALLY INDICATED PREMIUM TO BE PAID TO THE FUND. THE FORMULA SHALL
SPECIFY, FOR EACH ZIP CODE OR OTHER LIMITED GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, THE
AMOUNT TO BE PAID BY AN INSURER FOR EACH ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OF INSURED
VALUE UNDER COVERED POLICIES IN THAT ZIP CODE OR OTHER AREA. IN ESTAB-
LISHING PREMIUMS, THE AUTHORITY, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTEN-
DENT, SHALL CONSIDER THE COVERAGE LEVEL ELECTED UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF
SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTICLE AND ANY FACTORS
THAT TEND TO ENHANCE THE ACTUARIAL SOPHISTICATION OF RATEMAKING FOR THE
FUND, INCLUDING DEDUCTIBLES, TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION, TYPE OF COVERAGE
PROVIDED, RELATIVE CONCENTRATION OF RISKS, AND OTHER SUCH FACTORS DEEMED
TO BE APPROPRIATE. THE FORMULA MAY PROVIDE FOR A PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE
THE PREMIUMS TO BE PAID BY NEW INSURERS THAT BEGIN WRITING COVERED POLI-
CIES AFTER THE BEGINNING OF A CONTRACT YEAR, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION
WHEN THE INSURER STARTS WRITING COVERED POLICIES, THE POTENTIAL EXPOSURE
OF THE INSURER, THE POTENTIAL EXPOSURE OF THE FUND, THE ADMINISTRATIVE
COSTS TO THE INSURER AND TO THE FUND, AND ANY OTHER FACTORS DEEMED
APPROPRIATE. THE AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT
MAY, AT ANY TIME, REVISE THE FORMULA PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURE PROVIDED
IN THIS SUBSECTION.
(C) NO LATER THAN AUGUST FIRST OF EACH YEAR, EACH INSURER SHALL NOTIFY
THE AUTHORITY AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ITS INSURED VALUES UNDER COVERED
POLICIES BY ZIP CODE OR OTHER LIMITED GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, AS OF MAY THIR-
TIETH OF THAT YEAR. ON THE BASIS OF THESE REPORTS, THE AUTHORITY, IN
CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT, SHALL CALCULATE THE PREMIUM DUE
FROM THE INSURER, BASED ON THE FORMULA ADOPTED UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF
THIS SECTION. THE INSURER SHALL PAY THE REQUIRED ANNUAL PREMIUM PURSUANT
S. 643 9
TO A PERIODIC PAYMENT PLAN SPECIFIED IN THE CONTRACT. THE AUTHORITY
SHALL PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT OF REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM IN PERIODIC INSTALL-
MENTS AND FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF PROVISIONAL PREMIUM INSTALLMENTS
COLLECTED PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF THE EXPOSURE REPORT TO REFLECT DATA IN
THE EXPOSURE REPORT.
(D) ALL PREMIUMS PAID TO THE FUND UNDER REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS SHALL
BE TREATED AS PREMIUM FOR APPROVED REINSURANCE FOR ALL ACCOUNTING AND
REGULATORY PURPOSES.
(E) IN ORDER TO PROVIDE START-UP MONEYS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE
FUND, EACH INSURER SUBJECT TO THIS SECTION SHALL PAY TO THE FUND AN
ADVANCE PREMIUM PAYMENT OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER
THIRTIETH, TWO THOUSAND NINE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL COLLECT THE ADVANCE
PREMIUM PAYMENTS REQUIRED BY THIS SUBSECTION. THE INSURER SHALL RECEIVE
A CREDIT AGAINST FUTURE PREMIUMS FOR THE ADVANCE PAYMENT.
S 9205. REVENUE BONDS. (A) UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF A COVERED EVENT AND
A DETERMINATION THAT THE MONEYS IN THE FUND ARE OR WILL BE INSUFFICIENT
TO PAY REIMBURSEMENT AT THE LEVELS PROMISED IN THE REIMBURSEMENT
CONTRACTS, THE AUTHORITY MAY ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS WITH LOCAL GOVERN-
MENTS FOR THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND OR
ISSUE REVENUE BONDS IN THE AUTHORITY'S OWN RIGHT. THE TERM OF THE BONDS
SHALL NOT EXCEED THIRTY YEARS. THE AUTHORITY SHALL PLEDGE ALL FUTURE
REVENUES UNDER SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE
AND UNDER SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION, OR A LESSER PORTION OF SUCH
REVENUES SUFFICIENT TO RAISE MONEYS IN AN AMOUNT THAT WILL PAY
REIMBURSEMENT AT THE LEVELS PROMISED IN THE REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS, TO
THE RETIREMENT OF SUCH BONDS. THE AUTHORITY MAY ALSO ENTER INTO SUCH
AGREEMENTS IN THE ABSENCE OF A COVERED EVENT UPON A DETERMINATION THAT
SUCH ACTION WOULD MAXIMIZE THE ABILITY OF THE FUND TO MEET FUTURE OBLI-
GATIONS.
(B) ANY LOCAL GOVERNMENT MAY ISSUE BONDS PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW FROM TIME TO TIME TO FUND AN ASSIST-
ANCE PROGRAM, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FUND, FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEETING
THE REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE FUND. THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS IS
FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF ENSURING THAT POLICYHOLDERS LOCATED WITHIN THE
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ARE ABLE TO RECOVER UNDER RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE POLICIES AFTER A COVERED EVENT. REVENUE
BONDS SHALL NOT BE ISSUED UNTIL VALIDATED PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHALL ENTER
INTO SUCH CONTRACTS WITH THE FUND AS ARE NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION. ANY BONDS ISSUED UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL
BE PAYABLE FROM AND SECURED BY MONEYS RECEIVED BY THE FUND UNDER SECTION
NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE, AND ASSIGNED AND PLEDGED
TO OR ON BEHALF OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS
OF SUCH BONDS. THE FUNDS, CREDIT, PROPERTY, AND TAXING POWER OF THE
STATE OR OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHALL NOT BE PLEDGED FOR THE PAYMENT OF
SUCH BONDS.
(C) IF THE AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT,
DETERMINES THAT THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE PRODUCED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF
THIS SECTION IS INSUFFICIENT TO FUND THE OBLIGATIONS, COSTS, AND
EXPENSES OF THE FUND, INCLUDING REPAYMENT OF REVENUE BONDS, THE AUTHORI-
TY MAY LEVY AN EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT ON EACH INSURER WRITING PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY BUSINESS IN THIS STATE OR A PORTION OF THIS STATE FOR RESIDEN-
TIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES. PURSUANT TO THE EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT,
EACH SUCH INSURER SHALL PAY TO THE FUND BY JULY FIRST OF EACH YEAR AN
AMOUNT SET BY THE AUTHORITY NOT EXCEEDING TWO PERCENT OF ITS GROSS
DIRECT WRITTEN PREMIUM FOR THE PRIOR YEAR FROM ALL PROPERTY AND CASUALTY
S. 643 10
BUSINESS IN THIS STATE OR FOR A DESIGNATED REGION OF THIS STATE EXCEPT
FOR WORKERS' COMPENSATION, EXCEPT THAT, IF THE GOVERNOR HAS DECLARED A
STATE OF EMERGENCY UNDER THIS ARTICLE DUE TO THE OCCURRENCE OF A COVERED
EVENT, THE AMOUNT OF THE ASSESSMENT MAY BE INCREASED TO AN AMOUNT NOT
EXCEEDING FOUR PERCENT OF SUCH PREMIUM PER COVERED EVENT. UNDER NO
CIRCUMSTANCE SHALL THE AGGREGATE ASSESSMENT FOR MORE THAN THREE COVERED
EVENTS IN ONE YEAR BE MORE THAN TEN PERCENT. AS USED IN THIS
SUBSECTION, THE TERM "PROPERTY AND CASUALTY BUSINESS" INCLUDES ALL LINES
OF BUSINESS IDENTIFIED ON THE FORM PROVIDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, IN
THE ANNUAL STATEMENT REQUIRED BY THIS ARTICLE AND ANY RULES ADOPTED
UNDER THIS ARTICLE. THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL
CONTINUE AS LONG AS THE REVENUE BONDS ISSUED WITH RESPECT TO WHICH THE
ASSESSMENT WAS IMPOSED ARE OUTSTANDING, UNLESS ADEQUATE PROVISION HAS
BEEN MADE FOR THE PAYMENT OF SUCH BONDS PURSUANT TO THE DOCUMENTS
AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE OF THE BONDS. AN INSURER SHALL NOT AT ANY TIME BE
SUBJECT TO AGGREGATE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION OF MORE
THAN TWO PERCENT OF PREMIUM, EXCEPT THAT IN THE CASE OF A DECLARED EMER-
GENCY, AN INSURER SHALL NOT AT ANY TIME BE SUBJECT TO AGGREGATE ANNUAL
ASSESSMENTS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION OF MORE THAN FOUR PERCENT FOR ONE
COVERED EVENT, NOR MORE THAN TEN PERCENT OF PREMIUM FOR THREE OR MORE
COVERED EVENTS THAT OCCUR IN ONE YEAR. ANY RATE FILING OR PORTION OF A
RATE FILING REFLECTING A RATE CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE ENTIRELY TO THE
ASSESSMENT LEVIED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL BE DEEMED APPROVED WHEN
MADE, SUBJECT TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO REQUIRE ACTUARIAL
JUSTIFICATION AS TO THE ADEQUACY OF ANY RATE AT ANY TIME. IF THE RATE
FILING REFLECTS ONLY A RATE CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ASSESSMENT UNDER
THIS SUBSECTION, THE FILING MAY CONSIST OF A CERTIFICATION SO STATING.
S 9206. ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES. (A) THE AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSUL-
TATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY PROCURE: (1) REINSURANCE FROM
REINSURERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAXIMIZING THE CAPACITY OF THE FUND, AND
(2) CATASTROPHE NOTES, BONDS, OPTIONS, SWAPS, RISK FUTURES OR OTHER
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS TO MAXIMIZE THE CAPACITY OF THE FUND.
(B) IN ADDITION TO BORROWING UNDER THIS ARTICLE, THE AUTHORITY MAY
ALSO BORROW FROM, OR ENTER INTO OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS WITH, ANY
MARKET SOURCES AT PREVAILING INTEREST RATES.
(C) THE AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT, SHALL
DEVELOP NEW FINANCING MECHANISMS OR INSTRUMENTS TO MAXIMIZE THE CAPACITY
OF THE FUND. SUCH MECHANISMS OR INSTRUMENTS SHOULD ATTRACT PRIVATE
INVESTMENT FROM INSURERS AND REINSURERS THAT WISH TO FULLY OR PARTIALLY
SHELTER THEIR CAPITAL FROM INCOME TAXATION AND INCREASE THE ABILITY OF
INSURERS, BANKS, REINSURERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO PLACE
CAPITAL WITH THE FUND AND RECEIVE COMMENSURATE FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME
AND FRANCHISE TAX DEDUCTIONS, CREDITS OR DEFERRALS FOR ITS CONTRIBUTORS.
(D) IN EACH FISCAL YEAR AFTER APRIL FIRST, TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN, THE
AUTHORITY SHALL APPROPRIATE FROM THE INVESTMENT INCOME OF THE FUND THE
SUM OF TEN MILLION DOLLARS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDING FOR
STATE AGENCIES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, OTHER MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS, PUBLIC
AND PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO
SUPPORT PROGRAMS INTENDED TO IMPROVE NATURAL DISASTER PREPAREDNESS,
REDUCE POTENTIAL LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS, PROVIDE RESEARCH INTO MEANS
TO REDUCE SUCH LOSSES, EDUCATE OR INFORM THE PUBLIC AS TO MEANS TO
REDUCE LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS, ASSIST THE PUBLIC IN DETERMINING THE
APPROPRIATENESS OF PARTICULAR UPGRADES TO STRUCTURES OR IN THE FINANCING
OF SUCH UPGRADES, INCREASE COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES AMONG LOCAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT, STATE MILITIA, THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, FIRST
RESPONDERS, INSURANCE CARRIERS AND ADJUSTERS AND COMMON CARRIERS SO THAT
S. 643 11
SUCH INDIVIDUALS CAN EASILY COMMUNICATE WITHIN EACH ORGANIZATION AND
WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS DURING AND IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING A COVERED
EVENT, OR PROTECT LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE FROM POTENTIAL DAMAGE FROM A
COVERED EVENT. IN ADDITION, SUCH MONIES MAY BE USED TO INCREASE PARTIC-
IPATING INSURER ABILITY TO SHARE AND RAPIDLY SHIFT CLAIMS ADJUSTERS TO
NATURAL DISASTER RAVAGED AREAS SO THAT ACCURATE CLAIMS LOSS INFORMATION
CAN BE GATHERED AND INDIVIDUAL LOSS CLAIMS PROCESSED AND PAID AS SOON AS
PRACTICABLE. MONEYS SHALL FIRST BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION UNDER
THIS SUBSECTION IN FISCAL YEAR TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN. THE MONEYS SPECI-
FIED IN THIS SUBSECTION SHALL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION UNDER
THIS SUBSECTION IF THE AUTHORITY FINDS THAT AN APPROPRIATION OF INVEST-
MENT INCOME FROM THE FUND WOULD JEOPARDIZE THE ACTUARIAL SOUNDNESS OF
THE FUND.
(E) THE AUTHORITY MAY ALLOW INSURERS TO COMPLY WITH REPORTING REQUIRE-
MENTS AND REPORTING FORMAT REQUIREMENTS USING ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF
REPORTING IF THE PROPER ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND IS NOT THEREBY
IMPAIRED AND IF THE ALTERNATIVE METHODS PRODUCE DATA WHICH IS CONSISTENT
FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE.
(F) IN ORDER TO ASSURE THE EQUITABLE OPERATION OF THE FUND, THE
AUTHORITY MAY IMPOSE A REASONABLE FEE ON AN INSURER TO RECOVER COSTS
INVOLVED IN REPROCESSING INACCURATE, INCOMPLETE, OR UNTIMELY EXPOSURE
DATA SUBMITTED BY THE INSURER.
S 9206-A. NOTES AND BONDS OF THE AUTHORITY. (A) (1) THE AUTHORITY
SHALL HAVE POWER AND IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED FROM TIME TO TIME TO ISSUE ITS
NEGOTIABLE BONDS AND NOTES IN SUCH PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AS, IN THE OPINION
OF THE AUTHORITY, SHALL BE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR
ACHIEVING ITS PURPOSES, INCLUDING THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON BONDS AND
NOTES OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESERVES TO SECURE SUCH
BONDS AND NOTES.
(2) THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE POWER, FROM TIME TO TIME, TO ISSUE
RENEWAL NOTES, TO ISSUE BONDS TO PAY NOTES AND WHENEVER IT DEEMS REFUND-
ING EXPEDIENT, TO REFUND ANY BONDS BY THE ISSUANCE OF NEW BONDS, WHETHER
THE BONDS TO BE REFUNDED HAVE OR HAVE NOT MATURED, AND TO ISSUE BONDS
PARTLY TO REFUND BONDS THEN OUTSTANDING AND PARTLY FOR ANY OTHER
PURPOSE. THE REFUNDING BONDS SHALL BE SOLD AND THE PROCEEDS APPLIED TO
THE PURCHASE, REDEMPTION OR PAYMENT OF THE BONDS TO BE REFUNDED.
(3) EXCEPT AS MAY OTHERWISE BE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORITY,
EVERY ISSUE OF ITS NOTES OR BONDS SHALL BE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE
AUTHORITY PAYABLE OUT OF ANY REVENUES OR MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY,
SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOLDERS OF PARTICULAR NOTES OR
BONDS PLEDGING ANY PARTICULAR RECEIPTS OR REVENUES.
(B) THE NOTES AND BONDS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION APPROVED BY
NOT LESS THAN A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY VOTE OF THE WHOLE NUMBER OF MEMBERS
OF THE AUTHORITY THEN IN OFFICE, EXCEPT THAT IN THE EVENT OF A TIE VOTE
THE CHAIR SHALL CAST ONE ADDITIONAL VOTE. THE NOTES AND BONDS SHALL
BEAR INTEREST AT SUCH RATE OR RATES, BE IN SUCH DENOMINATIONS, BE IN
SUCH FORM, EITHER COUPON OR REGISTERED, CARRY SUCH REGISTRATION PRIVI-
LEGES, BE EXECUTED IN SUCH MANNER, BE PAYABLE IN SUCH MEDIUM OF PAYMENT,
AT SUCH PLACE OR PLACES AND BE SUBJECT TO SUCH TERMS OF REDEMPTION AS
SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS MAY PROVIDE. THE NOTES AND BONDS OF THE
AUTHORITY MAY BE SOLD BY THE AUTHORITY, AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE, AT
SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL DETERMINE. NO NOTES OR BONDS
OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SOLD BY THE AUTHORITY AT PRIVATE SALE, HOWEV-
ER, UNLESS SUCH SALE AND THE TERMS THEREOF HAVE BEEN APPROVED IN WRITING
BY (1) THE COMPTROLLER, WHERE SUCH SALE IS NOT TO THE COMPTROLLER, OR
(2) THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET, WHERE SUCH SALE IS TO THE COMPTROLLER.
S. 643 12
(C) ANY RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING ANY NOTES OR BONDS OR
ANY ISSUE THEREOF MAY CONTAIN PROVISIONS, WHICH SHALL BE A PART OF THE
CONTRACT WITH THE HOLDERS THEREOF, AS TO:
(1) PLEDGING ALL OR ANY PART OF THE PREMIUMS, CHARGES AND OTHER FEES
MADE OR RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITY, AND OTHER MONEY RECEIVED OR TO BE
RECEIVED, TO SECURE THE PAYMENT OF THE NOTES OR BONDS OR OF ANY ISSUE
THEREOF, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH BONDHOLDERS OR NOTEHOLDERS AS
MAY THEN EXIST;
(2) PLEDGING ALL OR ANY PART OF THE ASSETS OF THE AUTHORITY TO SECURE
THE PAYMENT OF THE NOTES OR BONDS OR OF ANY ISSUE OF NOTES OR BONDS,
SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH NOTEHOLDERS OR BONDHOLDERS AS MAY THEN
EXIST;
(3) THE SETTING ASIDE OF RESERVES OR SINKING FUNDS AND THE REGULATION
AND DISPOSITION THEREOF; AND
(4) ANY OTHER MATTERS, OF LIKE OR DIFFERENT CHARACTER, WHICH IN ANY
WAY AFFECT THE SECURITY OR PROTECTION OF THE NOTES OR BONDS.
S 9206-B. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. THE STATE DOES HEREBY PLEDGE TO AND
AGREE WITH THE HOLDERS OF ANY NOTES OR BONDS OR LEASE OBLIGATIONS ISSUED
OR INCURRED UNDER THIS ARTICLE, THAT THE STATE WILL NOT LIMIT OR ALTER
THE DENIAL OF AUTHORITY UNDER THIS ARTICLE, OR THE RIGHTS HEREBY VESTED
IN THE AUTHORITY TO FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENTS MADE WITH THE
HOLDERS THEREOF, OR IN ANY WAY IMPAIR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF SUCH
HOLDERS UNTIL SUCH NOTES OR BONDS OR LEASE OBLIGATIONS, TOGETHER WITH
THE INTEREST THEREON, WITH INTEREST ON ANY UNPAID INSTALLMENTS OF INTER-
EST, AND ALL COSTS AND EXPENSES FOR WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS LIABLE IN
CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY OR ON BEHALF OF SUCH HOLD-
ERS, ARE FULLY MET AND DISCHARGED. THE AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE THIS
PLEDGE AND AGREEMENT OF THE STATE IN ANY AGREEMENT WITH THE HOLDERS OF
SUCH NOTES OR BONDS OR LEASE OBLIGATIONS.
S 9206-C. NOTES AND BONDS AS LEGAL INVESTMENT. THE NOTES AND BONDS OF
THE AUTHORITY ARE HEREBY MADE SECURITIES IN WHICH ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS
AND BODIES OF THE STATE AND ALL MUNICIPALITIES AND POLITICAL SUBDIVI-
SIONS, ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER PERSONS CARRY-
ING ON AN INSURANCE BUSINESS, ALL BANKS, BANKERS, TRUST COMPANIES,
SAVINGS BANKS AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS, INCLUDING SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSO-
CIATIONS, BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND OTHER
PERSONS CARRYING ON A BANKING BUSINESS, ALL ADMINISTRATORS, GUARDIANS,
EXECUTORS, TRUSTEES AND OTHER FIDUCIARIES, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHATSO-
EVER WHO ARE NOW OR WHO MAY HEREAFTER BE AUTHORIZED TO INVEST IN BONDS
OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE, MAY PROPERLY AND LEGALLY INVEST FUNDS
INCLUDING CAPITAL IN THEIR CONTROL OR BELONGING TO THEM. NOTWITHSTAND-
ING ANY OTHER PROVISIONS OF LAW, THE BONDS OF THE AUTHORITY ARE ALSO
HEREBY MADE SECURITIES WHICH MAY BE DEPOSITED WITH AND SHALL BE RECEIVED
BY ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS AND BODIES OF THIS STATE AND ALL MUNICIPALITIES
AND POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS FOR ANY PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE DEPOSIT OF
BONDS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE IS NOW OR MAY HEREAFTER BE
AUTHORIZED.
S 9207. ADVISORY COUNCIL. (A) AN ADVISORY COUNCIL CONSISTING OF TWENTY
MEMBERS SHALL BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE THE AUTHORITY WITH INFORMATION
AND ADVICE IN CONNECTION WITH ITS DUTIES. THE MEMBERS SHALL BE SELECTED
FROM THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: REPRESENTATIVES WITH EXPERTISE IN ACTU-
ARIAL, METEOROLOGY, LAND-USE PLANNING AND ENGINEERING; AND A REPRESEN-
TATIVE OF INSURERS, INSURANCE AGENTS, REINSURERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE-
FIGHTERS, THE STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE, THE DIVISION OF CODE
ENFORCEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE DEPART-
MENT OF TRANSPORTATION, THE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, THE
S. 643 13
DEPARTMENT OF AUDIT AND CONTROL AND CONSUMERS WHO SHALL ALSO BE REPRE-
SENTATIVES OF OTHER AFFECTED PROFESSIONS AND INDUSTRIES. TEN MEMBERS
SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, FOUR BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF
THE SENATE, FOUR BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND ONE EACH BY THE
MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE AND THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY.
(B) THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL, IN COOPERATION WITH STATE AGENCIES
SUCH AS THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE DEPARTMENT, AND THE STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
OFFICE, DEVELOP PREVENTION AND MITIGATION STANDARDS TO MINIMIZE POTEN-
TIAL DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR FROM A NATURAL DISASTER BEFORE A COVERED
EVENT AND MINIMIZE ACTUAL DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR DURING A COVERED EVENT
AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER SUCH AN EVENT. SUCH PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
STANDARDS SHALL INCLUDE:
(1) A REVIEW AND UPDATE OF THE STATE BUILDING AND FIRE PREVENTION CODE
AND MUNICIPAL LAND-USE PLANS TO ENSURE THAT BUILDING STANDARDS AND
MUNICIPAL ZONING AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS ARE SATISFACTORY TO MITI-
GATE DAMAGE FROM A CATASTROPHIC EVENT. FURTHER, SUCH STANDARDS MAY
CONTEMPLATE THE USE OF APPROPRIATE BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
METHODS TO MITIGATE POTENTIAL DAMAGE;
(2) SUGGESTED CHANGES IN PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT ALL BUILDING CODES
AND MUNICIPAL LAND-USE PLANS ARE ENFORCED;
(3) SUGGESTIONS TO MINIMIZE THE LOSS OF LIFE VIA EXPEDITED EVACUATION
PROCEDURES FOR ALL AFFECTED RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO ARE
ECONOMICALLY, PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY UNABLE TO GET OUT OF HARMS WAY;
(4) SUGGESTIONS AND PROCEDURES TO ACCELERATE THE RECOVERY AND REBUILD-
ING PROCESS;
(5) SUGGESTIONS AND PROCEDURES TO ASSIST ADVERSELY AFFECTED BUSINESSES
SO THAT SUCH BUSINESSES CAN QUICKLY COMMENCE OPERATIONS AND MINIMIZE
SHORT AND LONG TERM JOB LOSSES; AND
(6) A STUDY OF AND SUGGESTIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIONAL ACTU-
ARIALLY APPROPRIATE INSURANCE PREMIUM DISCOUNTS TO BE OFFERED TO
INSUREDS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO BUILD
OR RETROFIT THEIR HOMES, BUSINESSES AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES IN A WAY TO
MINIMIZE DAMAGE.
THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL REPORT ITS INITIAL FINDINGS TO THE CHAIR OF
THE AUTHORITY, THE GOVERNOR, THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT
OF THE SENATE, THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE
SENATE AND THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY ON OR BEFORE JUNE FIRST,
TWO THOUSAND TEN, AND SHALL THEREAFTER ISSUE AND SUBMIT REPORTS ANNUALLY
ON OR BEFORE JUNE FIRST.
S 9208. VIOLATIONS. ANY VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE OR OF THE RULES
ADOPTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER.
S 9209. INTERNATIONAL, FEDERAL, STATE, REGIONAL OR MULTISTATE CATAS-
TROPHE FUNDS. THE AUTHORITY, IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS AND OPERA-
TION, SHALL ACTIVELY ATTEMPT TO INTEGRATE AND COORDINATE ITS ACTIVITIES
AND OPERATIONS WITH OTHER EXISTING OR NEWLY ESTABLISHED INTERNATIONAL,
FEDERAL, STATE, REGIONAL OR MULTISTATE CATASTROPHE FUNDS OR PROGRAMS, OR
OTHER REINSURANCE PROGRAMS THAT SERVE PURPOSES THAT ARE SIMILAR TO ALL
OR SOME OF THE GOALS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE FUND ESTABLISHED BY THIS
ARTICLE. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL PROMPTLY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
AUTHORITY, THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE ON METHODS TO ENCOURAGE THE
INTEGRATION, CONSOLIDATION OR COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES AND OPERATIONS
OF THE VARIOUS EXISTING OR NEWLY ESTABLISHED FEDERAL, STATE, REGIONAL OR
MULTISTATE CATASTROPHE FUNDS OR OTHER REINSURANCE PROGRAMS. THE AUTHORI-
TY, UPON THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE, MAY INTEGRATE, COORDINATE OR
TERMINATE THE FUND AND CONSOLIDATE SUCH FUND WITH OTHER OPERATING CATAS-
S. 643 14
TROPHE OR REINSURANCE FUNDS OR MERGE, TAKE OVER OR ACQUIRE OTHER ALREADY
OPERATING CATASTROPHE OR REINSURANCE FUNDS TO CREATE A LARGER AND MORE
DIVERSE CATASTROPHE FUND.
THE AUTHORITY SHALL INVESTIGATE THE INTEGRATION AND COORDINATION OF
THE PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS FOR THE COVERAGE FROM CATASTROPHIC COVERED
EVENTS AND THE TIMELY PAYMENT OF CLAIMS WITH OTHER EXISTING FEDERAL AND
STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM,
PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BY THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, AND
STATE SPONSORED FAIR PLANS SUCH AS THE NEW YORK PROPERTY INSURANCE
UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION, AND STATE SPONSORED INSURANCE GUARANTEE FUNDS.
S 9210. FUND ASSETS UPON TERMINATION. THE FUND AND THE DUTIES OF THE
AUTHORITY UNDER THIS ARTICLE MAY BE TERMINATED ONLY BY LAW. UPON THE
FULL OR PARTIAL TERMINATION OF THE OPERATION OF THE FUND, ALL OR A
PORTION OF SUCH ASSETS OF THE FUND SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO ANY SUCCESSOR
FEDERAL OR MULTISTATE CATASTROPHE FUND OR THE PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSUR-
ANCE SECURITY FUND.
S 4. The sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000), or so much thereof
as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated to the New York state catas-
trophe fund out of any moneys in the state treasury in the general fund
to the credit of the state purposes account not otherwise appropriated
for its expenses, including personal services, maintenance and opera-
tion, in carrying out the provisions of this act.
S 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
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