NY State Senate Bill 2017-S1594A

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance 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

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Actions

View Actions

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Jun 07, 2017	print number 1594a
Jun 07, 2017	amend and recommit to finance
Mar 20, 2017	reported and committed to finance
Jan 10, 2017	referred to insurance

Votes

- Mar 20, 2017 - Insurance Committee Vote
  S1594A
  
  17
  
  Aye
  
  0
  
  Nay
  
  1
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  1
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Insurance Committee Vote: Mar 20, 2017
      
      aye (17)
      
      Akshar
      
      Breslin
      
      Brooks
      
      Golden
      
      Hamilton
      
      Jacobs
      
      Kennedy
      
      LaValle
      
      Lanza
      
      Larkin
      
      Latimer
      
      Murphy
      
      Phillips
      
      Rivera
      
      Savino
      
      Serino
      
      Seward
      
      aye wr (1)
      
      O'Mara
      
      excused (1)
      
      Parker

Bill Amendments

Original

A (Active)

2017-S1594 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1643
Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Insurance Law
Laws Affected:: Add §215, Ins L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2013-2014: S4235, A1093
2015-2016: S3758, A4172
2019-2020: S1634, A7830

2017-S1594 - Summary

Creates a task force on disasters to examine how insurers who write policies that cover loss of or damage to real property, personal property or other liabilities for loss of, damage to, or injury to persons or property in the state respond to disasters.

2017-S1594 - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S1594

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to
creating a task force on disasters

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

The purpose of this bill is to create a task force to examine and
report on whether policyholders and communities have adequate
insurance coverage and if they are able to rely upon that coverage in
the event of a disaster.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

§ 215. (a) Creates a task force to examine how insurers who write
policies that cover loss of or damage to real property, personal
property, or other liabilities for loss of, damage to, or injury to
persons or property in New York State respond to disasters, in what
ways state and local agencies such as the Department of Financial
Services and the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency
Services can assist claimants in connecting with insurance companies,
and what steps the industry can take to improve its response in the
future.

(b) 1. The task force would consist of 18 members, including the
Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services and

Commissioner of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency
Services (who shall serve as co-chairs), 5 insurers who write policies
that cover loss or damage to property (including at least one insurer
who writes for the National Flood insurance Program), 5 local officers
who respond to disasters and emergencies (including representatives
from New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and rural areas of
the state that are prone to flooding), 2 organizations that represent
independent and public adjusters, 2 non-profits that have experience
with disaster relief, and 2 consumer advocacy groups.

The task force would report to the Governor, the Speaker of the
Assembly, the Temporary President of the Senate, and the Chairs of the
Assembly and Senate Insurance Committees one year after the effective
date of its authorizing legislation.

The report would be required to include the following information:

(1) Steps insurers currently take in order to respond to
disaster-related claims in a timely fashion.

(2) Challenges insurer experience when responding to disasters.

(3) Steps insurers currently take to adequately assess damage so that
homeowners and municipalities can remove debris and make repairs
quickly.

(4) Additional steps insurers and state and local agencies can take to
better respond to the needs of communities and policyholders affected
by a disaster.

(5) Ways insurers and state and local agencies can proactively reach
out to policyholders and communities following a disaster.

(6) Ways insurers assist homeowners and businesses affected by a
disaster whose premiums are due.

(7) Steps insurers can take if their employees are affected by a
disaster in order to ensure that they are still able to respond to
claims in a timely fashion.

(8) Whether or not New Yorkers have adequate insurance coverage and if
not, identifying what barriers exist that may prevent people from
purchasing adequate coverage.

(9) Identifying measures to encourage homeowners and businesses to
purchase flood insurance as needed.

(10) Steps insurers take to prevent disputes with policy holders and
to resolve those which do occur as well as additional steps insurers
can take.

(11) Legislative actions that can be considered to address such
issues.

§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Following Super-storm Sandy and Tropical Storms Irene and Lee, it was
found that there were lengthy delays in the time to investigate and
process claims, conducting site inspections of damaged property, and
making payments to policyholders. This was due to the large volume of
claims received and obstacles the storms presented to insurance
companies, such as washed away roads and displaced policyholders.
Such delays made it difficult for homeowners and communities to begin
to make repairs and rebuild in a timely fashion and were especially
troublesome when repairs were necessary for the health and safety of
individuals and the community.

In addition, disasters have a significant impact upon businesses,
especially small businesses. For example, following Sandy, many
businesses in downtown Manhattan were unable to open, resulting in not
only lost income for the businesses but also lost wages for their
employees. This can make it difficult for business owners and
individuals to make premium payments, putting them at risk for losing
their insurance coverage when they need it the most.

Furthermore, following the storms many policyholders were surprised to
learn that they did not have adequate coverage. Many policyholders
were unaware that their homeowner's policy did not cover flood damages
or, if they were aware, did not purchase a separate flood policy.
Policyholders also expressed confusion over what types of damages
homeowners and flood policies cover and what the coverage limits were
under their policies. As a result, many policyholders received
payments that were far less than what they expected to receive.

Because of these issues and the increasing frequency with which the
State is seeing destructive storms like Sandy, Irene, and Lee, it is
important to examine how the insurance industry responds to disasters
and what steps the industry can take to improve its response in the
future.

This task force will in effect create a public/private partnership
between both New York State and the insurance industry. Working
together, issues brought on by future disasters will addressed in a
more effective manner.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

Latimer - S3258 2015-16 Referred to insurance
Skoufis - A4172 2015-16 Referred to insurance
Skoufis - 01/09/13 Referred to insurance
Latimer - 03/15/13 Referred to insurance

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE :

To be determined

 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS :

To be determined

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately.

2017-S1594 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   1594
 
                        2017-2018 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             January 10, 2017
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen. LATIMER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Insurance
 
 AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to creating a task  force
   on disasters
 
   THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

   Section 1. The insurance law is amended by adding a new section 215 to
 read as follows:
   § 215. TASK FORCE ON DISASTERS.  (A) THERE IS HEREBY  CREATED  A  TASK
 FORCE  TO  EXAMINE HOW INSURERS WHO WRITE POLICIES THAT COVER LOSS OF OR
 DAMAGE TO REAL PROPERTY, PERSONAL PROPERTY,  OR  OTHER  LIABILITIES  FOR
 LOSS  OF,  DAMAGE TO, OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY IN NEW YORK STATE
 RESPOND TO DISASTERS, IN WHAT WAYS STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES SUCH AS  THE
 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
 AND  EMERGENCY  SERVICES CAN ASSIST IN SUCH RESPONSE AND WHETHER POLICY-
 HOLDERS AND COMMUNITIES HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE.
   (B) (1) THE TASK FORCE SHALL CONSIST OF TWENTY-THREE MEMBERS,  ONE  OF
 WHOM  SHALL  BE  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED REPRESEN-
 TATIVE, ONE OF WHOM SHALL BE THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOME-
 LAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED  REPRESEN-
 TATIVE,  FIVE  OF  WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, FIVE OF WHOM
 SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF  THE
 SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, FIVE OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR
 BASED  UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE,
 THREE OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON  THE  RECOM-
 MENDATION  OF  THE  MINORITY  LEADER  OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND THREE OF WHOM
 SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF  THE
 MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE.
   (2) THE APPOINTEES SHALL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOLLOWING:
   (A)  FOUR  INSURERS WHO WRITE POLICIES THAT COVER LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO
 REAL PROPERTY, PERSONAL PROPERTY, OR  OTHER  LIABILITIES  FOR  LOSS  OF,
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD01156-01-7

 S. 1594                             2
 
 DAMAGE  TO,  OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES
 FROM COMPANIES OF VARYING SIZES AND LOCATIONS AND AT LEAST  ONE  INSURER
 WHO WRITES FOR THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.
   (B)  TEN  LOCAL  OFFICIALS  WHO  RESPOND TO DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES,
 INCLUDING POLICE OFFICIALS, PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER FIRE AND EMERGEN-
 CY SERVICES PERSONNEL, AND LOCAL OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR  THE  COORDI-
 NATION  OF  EMERGENCY SERVICES AND THE LOCALITY'S RESPONSE TO A DISASTER
 OR EMERGENCY.  THESE APPOINTMENTS SHALL REFLECT THE GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
 OF THE STATE AND INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM  LOCALITIES  WITH  VARYING
 POPULATION  DENSITIES.   THESE APPOINTMENTS SHALL ALSO INCLUDE REPRESEN-
 TATIVES FROM THE FOLLOWING REGIONS: NEW YORK CITY, LONG ISLAND, MID-HUD-
 SON, CAPITAL  REGION,  NORTH  COUNTRY,  MOHAWK  VALLEY,  SOUTHERN  TIER,
 CENTRAL NEW YORK, FINGER LAKES, AND WESTERN NEW YORK.
   (C) TWO ORGANIZATIONS THAT REPRESENT INDEPENDENT AND PUBLIC ADJUSTERS.
   (D) TWO NON-PROFITS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH DISASTER RELIEF.
   (E) TWO CONSUMER ADVOCACY GROUPS.
   (F)  ONE  INDEPENDENT  INSURANCE AGENT WHO OBTAINS COVERAGE FOR POLICY
 HOLDERS FOR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO REAL PROPERTY,  PERSONAL  PROPERTY,  OR
 OTHER  LIABILITIES FOR LOSS OF, DAMAGE TO, OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROP-
 ERTY.
   (3) RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS SHALL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE
 EXPERTISE OF OTHER APPOINTEES, SO THAT THE TASK FORCE REFLECTS A  DIVER-
 SITY OF EXPERIENCE.
   (4)  THE MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL NOT RECEIVE COMPENSATION, BUT
 SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR REASONABLE TRAVEL EXPENSES.
   (C) THE SUPERINTENDENT, OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED  REPRESENTATIVE,  AND
 THE  COMMISSIONER  OF  THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY
 SERVICES, OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE, SHALL  SERVE  AS  THE
 CO-CHAIRS OF THE TASK FORCE.
   (D)  THE  TASK  FORCE SHALL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR, THE SPEAKER OF THE
 ASSEMBLY, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, AND THE  CHAIR  OF  THE
 ASSEMBLY  INSURANCE  COMMITTEE  AND  THE  CHAIR  OF THE SENATE INSURANCE
 COMMITTEE ON THE RESULTS OF ITS EXAMINATION ONE YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE
 DATE OF THIS SECTION.  THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE CHAL-
 LENGES THAT INSURERS FACE WHEN RESPONDING TO A DISASTER,  POSSIBLE  WAYS
 FOR  INSURERS TO WORK BETTER WITH COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS AND STATE AGEN-
 CIES TO FACILITATE TIMELY CLAIMS INVESTIGATION AND PROCESSING, SUGGESTED
 LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS, ISSUES IDENTIFIED BY THE  TASK  FORCE,  AND  ANY
 OTHER  INFORMATION  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  AND  THE  COMMISSIONERS  OF THE
 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES DEEMS RELEVANT.
   (E) IN COMPLETING ITS TASK, THE TASK FORCE WILL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING
 ISSUES, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER ISSUE THAT IT DEEMS RELEVANT:
   (1) STEPS INSURERS CURRENTLY TAKE IN ORDER TO RESPOND TO  DISASTER-RE-
 LATED CLAIMS IN A TIMELY FASHION;
   (2) CHALLENGES INSURERS EXPERIENCE WHEN RESPONDING TO DISASTERS;
   (3)  STEPS INSURERS CURRENTLY TAKE TO ADEQUATELY ASSESS DAMAGE SO THAT
 HOMEOWNERS AND MUNICIPALITIES CAN REMOVE DEBRIS AND MAKE REPAIRS  QUICK-
 LY;
   (4) ADDITIONAL STEPS INSURERS AND STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES CAN TAKE TO
 BETTER RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES AND POLICYHOLDERS AFFECTED BY
 A DISASTER;
   (5)  WAYS  INSURERS AND STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES CAN PROACTIVELY REACH
 OUT TO POLICYHOLDERS AND COMMUNITIES FOLLOWING A DISASTER;
   (6) WAYS INSURERS ASSIST  HOMEOWNERS  AND  BUSINESSES  AFFECTED  BY  A
 DISASTER WHOSE PREMIUMS ARE DUE;

 S. 1594                             3
 
   (7)  STEPS  INSURERS  CAN  TAKE  IF  THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE AFFECTED BY A
 DISASTER IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THEY  ARE  STILL  ABLE  TO  RESPOND  TO
 CLAIMS IN A TIMELY FASHION;
   (8) WHETHER OR NOT NEW YORKERS HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE COVERAGE AND IF
 NOT,  IDENTIFYING  WHAT  BARRIERS  EXIST  THAT  MAY  PREVENT PEOPLE FROM
 PURCHASING ADEQUATE COVERAGE;
   (9) IDENTIFYING MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE  HOMEOWNERS  AND  BUSINESSES  TO
 PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE AS NEEDED;
   (10) STEPS INSURERS TAKE TO PREVENT DISPUTES WITH POLICYHOLDERS AND TO
 RESOLVE  THOSE  WHICH  DO OCCUR AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL STEPS INSURERS CAN
 TAKE;
   (11) LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS  THAT  CAN  BE  CONSIDERED  TO  ADDRESS  SUCH
 ISSUES.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1643
Current Committee:: Senate Finance
Law Section:: Insurance Law
Laws Affected:: Add §215, Ins L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2013-2014: S4235, A1093
2015-2016: S3758, A4172
2019-2020: S1634, A7830

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S1594A

 TITLE OF BILL :  An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to
creating a task force on disasters

 PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL :

The purpose of this bill is to create a task force to examine and
report on whether policyholders and communities have adequate
insurance coverage and if they are able to rely upon that coverage in
the event of a disaster.

 SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS :

§ 215.(a)Creates a task force to examine how insurers who write
policies that cover loss of or damage to real property, personal
property, or other liabilities for loss of, damage to, or injury to
persons or property in New York State respond to disasters, in what
ways state and local agencies such as the Department of Financial
Services can assist claimants in connecting with insurance companies,
and what steps the industry can take to improve its response in the
future.

(b) 1. The task force would consist of 23 members, including the
Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services as chair, 6
members appointed by the Governor, 5 members appointed by the Governor

upon the recommendation of the Speaker of Assembly, 5 members
appointed by Governor upon the recommendation of the temporary
president of the Senate, 3 members shall be appointed by the Governor
upon the recommendation of the minority leader of the assembly, and 3
of whom shall be shall be appointed by the Governor based upon the
recommendation of the minority leader of the Senate.  The task force
would report to the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, the
Temporary President of the Senate, and the Chairs of the Assembly and
Senate Insurance Committees one year after the effective date of its
authorizing legislation. The appointees shall include 4 insurers who
write policies that cover loss or damage to real property, or injury
to persons or property, and at least one insurer who writes for the
national flood insurance program; 10 local officials who respond to
disaster and emergencies including police officials, professional and
volunteer fire and emergency services personnel, and local officials
responsible for the coordination of emergency services, these
appointees shall include representation from the following geographic
regions: New York City, Long Island, mid-Hudson, Capital Region, north
country, Mohawk Valley, Southern tier, Central New York, Finger Lakes,
and Western New York; 2 organizations that represent independent
public adjusters; 2 non-profits that have experience with disaster
relief; and 2 consumer advocacy groups

The report would be required to include the following information:

(1) Steps insurers currently take in order to respond to
disaster-related claims in a timely fashion.

(2) Challenges insurer experience when responding to disasters.

(3) Steps insurers currently take to adequately assess damage so that
homeowners and municipalities can remove debris and make repairs
quickly.

(4) Additional steps insurers and state and local agencies can take to
better respond to the needs of communities and policyholders affected
by a disaster.

(5) Ways insurers and state and local agencies can proactively reach
out to policyholders and communities following a disaster.
(6) Ways insurers assist homeowners and businesses affected by a
disaster whose premiums are due.

(7) Steps insurers can take if their employees are affected by a
disaster in order to ensure that they are still able to respond to
claims in a timely fashion.

(8) Whether or not New Yorkers have adequate access to insurance
coverage and if not, identifying what barriers exist that may prevent
people from purchasing adequate coverage.

(9) Identifying measures to encourage homeowners and businesses to
purchase flood insurance as needed.

(10) Steps insurers take to prevent disputes with policy holders and
to resolve those which do occur as well as additional steps insurers
can take.

(11) Legislative actions that can be considered to address such
issues.

§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

 JUSTIFICATION :

Following Super-storm Sandy and Tropical Storms Irene and Lee, it was
found that there were lengthy delays in the time to investigate and
process claims, conducting site inspections of damaged property, and
making payments to policyholders. This was due to the large volume of
claims received and obstacles the storms presented to insurance
companies, such as washed away roads and displaced policyholders. Such
delays made it difficult for homeowners and communities to begin to
make repairs and rebuild in a timely fashion and were especially
troublesome when repairs were necessary for the health and safety of
individuals and the community.

In addition, disasters have a significant impact upon businesses,
especially small businesses. For example, following Sandy, many
businesses in downtown Manhattan were unable to open, resulting in not
only lost income for the businesses but also lost wages for their
employees. This can make it difficult for business owners and
individuals to make premium payments, putting them at risk for losing
their insurance coverage when they need it the most.

Furthermore, following the storms many policyholders were surprised to
learn that they did not have adequate coverage. Many policyholders
were unaware that their homeowner's policy did not cover flood damages
or, if they were aware, did not purchase a separate flood policy.
Policyholders also expressed confusion over what types of damages
homeowners and flood policies cover and what the coverage limits were
under their policies. As a result, many policyholders received
payments that were far less than what they expected to receive.

Because of these issues and the increasing frequency with which the
State is seeing destructive storms like Sandy, Irene, and Lee, it is
important to examine how the insurance industry responds to disasters
and what steps the industry can take to improve its response in the
future.

This task force will in effect create a public/private partnership
between both New York State and the insurance industry. Working
together, issues brought on by future disasters will address in a more
effective manner.

 PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

Latimer - S3258 2015-16 Referred to insurance
Skoufis - A4172 2015-16 Referred to insurance
Skoufis - 01/09/13 Referred to insurance
Latimer - 03/15/13 Referred to insurance

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE :

To be determined

 LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

To be determined

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
This act shall take effect immediately

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
 
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                  1594--A
 
                        2017-2018 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                             January 10, 2017
                                ___________
 
 Introduced  by  Sen. LATIMER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the  Committee  on  Insurance  --  reported
   favorably  from  said  committee  and  committed  to  the Committee on
   Finance -- committee discharged, bill amended,  ordered  reprinted  as
   amended and recommitted to said committee

 AN  ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to creating a task force
   on disasters
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section 1. The insurance law is amended by adding a new section 215 to
 read as follows:
   §  215.  TASK  FORCE ON DISASTERS.  (A) THERE IS HEREBY CREATED A TASK
 FORCE TO EXAMINE HOW INSURERS WHO WRITE POLICIES THAT COVER LOSS  OF  OR
 DAMAGE  TO  REAL  PROPERTY,  PERSONAL PROPERTY, OR OTHER LIABILITIES FOR
 LOSS OF, DAMAGE TO, OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY IN NEW  YORK  STATE
 RESPOND  TO DISASTERS, IN WHAT WAYS STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES SUCH AS THE
 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES CAN ASSIST IN SUCH RESPONSE AND WHETHER
 POLICYHOLDERS AND COMMUNITIES HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE.
   (B) (1) THE TASK FORCE SHALL CONSIST OF TWENTY-THREE MEMBERS,  ONE  OF
 WHOM  SHALL  BE  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED REPRESEN-
 TATIVE, SIX OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE  GOVERNOR,  FIVE  OF  WHOM
 SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
 SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, FIVE OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR
 BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE  SENATE,
 THREE  OF  WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOM-
 MENDATION OF THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE  ASSEMBLY,  AND  THREE  OF  WHOM
 SHALL  BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
 MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE.
   (2) THE APPOINTEES SHALL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOLLOWING:
   (A) FOUR INSURERS WHO WRITE POLICIES THAT COVER LOSS OF OR  DAMAGE  TO
 REAL  PROPERTY,  PERSONAL  PROPERTY,  OR  OTHER LIABILITIES FOR LOSS OF,
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.

                                                            LBD01156-03-7

 S. 1594--A                          2
 
 DAMAGE TO, OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY,  INCLUDING  REPRESENTATIVES
 FROM  COMPANIES  OF VARYING SIZES AND LOCATIONS AND AT LEAST ONE INSURER
 WHO WRITES FOR THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.
   (B)  TEN  LOCAL  OFFICIALS  WHO  RESPOND TO DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES,
 INCLUDING POLICE OFFICIALS, PROFESSIONAL AND VOLUNTEER FIRE AND EMERGEN-
 CY SERVICES PERSONNEL, AND LOCAL OFFICIALS RESPONSIBLE FOR  THE  COORDI-
 NATION  OF  EMERGENCY SERVICES AND THE LOCALITY'S RESPONSE TO A DISASTER
 OR EMERGENCY.  THESE APPOINTMENTS SHALL REFLECT THE GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY
 OF THE STATE AND INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM  LOCALITIES  WITH  VARYING
 POPULATION  DENSITIES.   THESE APPOINTMENTS SHALL ALSO INCLUDE REPRESEN-
 TATIVES FROM THE FOLLOWING REGIONS: NEW YORK CITY, LONG ISLAND, MID-HUD-
 SON, CAPITAL  REGION,  NORTH  COUNTRY,  MOHAWK  VALLEY,  SOUTHERN  TIER,
 CENTRAL NEW YORK, FINGER LAKES, AND WESTERN NEW YORK.
   (C) TWO ORGANIZATIONS THAT REPRESENT INDEPENDENT AND PUBLIC ADJUSTERS.
   (D) TWO NON-PROFITS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH DISASTER RELIEF.
   (E) TWO CONSUMER ADVOCACY GROUPS.
   (F)  ONE  INDEPENDENT  INSURANCE AGENT WHO OBTAINS COVERAGE FOR POLICY
 HOLDERS FOR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO REAL PROPERTY,  PERSONAL  PROPERTY,  OR
 OTHER  LIABILITIES FOR LOSS OF, DAMAGE TO, OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROP-
 ERTY.
   (3) RECOMMENDATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS SHALL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE
 EXPERTISE OF OTHER APPOINTEES, SO THAT THE TASK FORCE REFLECTS A  DIVER-
 SITY OF EXPERIENCE.
   (4)  THE MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE SHALL NOT RECEIVE COMPENSATION, BUT
 SHALL BE REIMBURSED FOR REASONABLE TRAVEL EXPENSES.
   (C) THE SUPERINTENDENT, OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE, SHALL
 SERVE AS THE CHAIR OF THE TASK FORCE.
   (D) THE TASK FORCE SHALL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR, THE  SPEAKER  OF  THE
 ASSEMBLY,  THE  TEMPORARY  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, AND THE CHAIR OF THE
 ASSEMBLY INSURANCE COMMITTEE AND  THE  CHAIR  OF  THE  SENATE  INSURANCE
 COMMITTEE ON THE RESULTS OF ITS EXAMINATION ONE YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE
 DATE OF THIS SECTION.  THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE INFORMATION ON THE CHAL-
 LENGES  THAT  INSURERS FACE WHEN RESPONDING TO A DISASTER, POSSIBLE WAYS
 FOR INSURERS TO WORK BETTER WITH COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS AND STATE  AGEN-
 CIES TO FACILITATE TIMELY CLAIMS INVESTIGATION AND PROCESSING, SUGGESTED
 LEGISLATION  TO  ADDRESS,  ISSUES  IDENTIFIED BY THE TASK FORCE, AND ANY
 OTHER INFORMATION THE SUPERINTENDENT DEEMS RELEVANT.
   (E) IN COMPLETING ITS TASK, THE TASK FORCE WILL CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING
 ISSUES, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER ISSUE THAT IT DEEMS RELEVANT:
   (1) STEPS INSURERS CURRENTLY TAKE IN ORDER TO RESPOND TO  DISASTER-RE-
 LATED CLAIMS IN A TIMELY FASHION;
   (2) CHALLENGES INSURERS EXPERIENCE WHEN RESPONDING TO DISASTERS;
   (3)  STEPS INSURERS CURRENTLY TAKE TO ADEQUATELY ASSESS DAMAGE SO THAT
 HOMEOWNERS AND MUNICIPALITIES CAN REMOVE DEBRIS AND MAKE REPAIRS  QUICK-
 LY;
   (4) ADDITIONAL STEPS INSURERS AND STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES CAN TAKE TO
 BETTER RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF COMMUNITIES AND POLICYHOLDERS AFFECTED BY
 A DISASTER;
   (5)  WAYS  INSURERS AND STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES CAN PROACTIVELY REACH
 OUT TO POLICYHOLDERS AND COMMUNITIES FOLLOWING A DISASTER;
   (6) WAYS INSURERS ASSIST  HOMEOWNERS  AND  BUSINESSES  AFFECTED  BY  A
 DISASTER WHOSE PREMIUMS ARE DUE;
   (7)  STEPS  INSURERS  CAN  TAKE  IF  THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE AFFECTED BY A
 DISASTER IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THEY  ARE  STILL  ABLE  TO  RESPOND  TO
 CLAIMS IN A TIMELY FASHION;

 S. 1594--A                          3
 
   (8)  WHETHER  OR  NOT  NEW  YORKERS  HAVE ADEQUATE ACCESS TO INSURANCE
 COVERAGE AND IF NOT, IDENTIFYING WHAT BARRIERS EXIST  THAT  MAY  PREVENT
 PEOPLE FROM PURCHASING ADEQUATE COVERAGE;
   (9)  IDENTIFYING  MEASURES  TO  ENCOURAGE HOMEOWNERS AND BUSINESSES TO
 PURCHASE FLOOD INSURANCE AS NEEDED;
   (10) STEPS INSURERS TAKE TO PREVENT DISPUTES WITH POLICYHOLDERS AND TO
 RESOLVE THOSE WHICH DO OCCUR AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL  STEPS  INSURERS  CAN
 TAKE;
   (11)  LEGISLATIVE  ACTIONS  THAT  CAN  BE  CONSIDERED  TO ADDRESS SUCH
 ISSUES.
   § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

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Senate Bill S1594A

Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

Mar 20, 2017 - Insurance Committee Vote

Insurance Committee Vote: Mar 20, 2017

Bill Amendments

2017-S1594 - Details

2017-S1594 - Summary

2017-S1594 - Sponsor Memo

2017-S1594 - Bill Text download pdf

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Details

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

Senate Bill S1594A

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Sponsored By

George Latimer

Archive: Last Bill Status - In Senate Committee Finance Committee

Bill Amendments

2017-S1594 - Details

2017-S1594 - Summary

2017-S1594 - Sponsor Memo

2017-S1594 - Bill Text download pdf

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Details

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Summary

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2017-S1594A (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments