NY State Senate Bill 2013-S4235B

Archive: Last Bill Status Via A1093 - Vetoed by Governor

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Vetoed By Governor
Signed By Governor

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Actions

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	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Dec 17, 2014	tabled vetoed memo.527
Dec 05, 2014	delivered to governor
Jun 19, 2014	returned to assembly passed senate 3rd reading cal.1602 substituted for s4235b
Jun 19, 2014	substituted by a1093c ordered to third reading cal.1602 committee discharged and committed to rules
Jun 03, 2014	print number 4235b
Jun 03, 2014	amend and recommit to finance
Jun 02, 2014	reported and committed to finance
Mar 24, 2014	print number 4235a
Mar 24, 2014	amend and recommit to insurance
Jan 08, 2014	referred to insurance
Mar 15, 2013	referred to insurance

Votes

- Jun 19, 2014 - Floor Vote
  A1093
  
  57
  
  Aye
  
  1
  
  Nay
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  3
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Floor Vote: Jun 19, 2014
      
      aye (57)
      
      Addabbo Jr.
      
      Avella
      
      Bonacic
      
      Boyle
      
      Breslin
      
      Carlucci
      
      DeFrancisco
      
      Dilan
      
      Farley
      
      Felder
      
      Flanagan
      
      Gallivan
      
      Gianaris
      
      Gipson
      
      Golden
      
      Griffo
      
      Grisanti
      
      Hannon
      
      Hoylman-Sigal
      
      Kennedy
      
      Klein
      
      Krueger
      
      LaValle
      
      Lanza
      
      Larkin
      
      Latimer
      
      Libous
      
      Little
      
      Marcellino
      
      Marchione
      
      Martins
      
      Maziarz
      
      Montgomery
      
      Nozzolio
      
      O'Brien
      
      O'Mara
      
      Parker
      
      Peralta
      
      Perkins
      
      Ranzenhofer
      
      Ritchie
      
      Rivera
      
      Robach
      
      Sampson
      
      Sanders Jr.
      
      Savino
      
      Serrano
      
      Seward
      
      Skelos
      
      Smith
      
      Squadron
      
      Stavisky
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      Tkaczyk
      
      Valesky
      
      Young
      
      Zeldin
      
      nay (1)
      
      Ball
      
      excused (3)
      
      Diaz
      
      Espaillat
      
      Hassell-Thompson
  Jun 19, 2014 - Rules Committee Vote
  S4235B
  
  22
  
  Aye
  
  0
  
  Nay
  
  1
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  2
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Rules Committee Vote: Jun 19, 2014
      
      aye (22)
      
      Bonacic
      
      Breslin
      
      Carlucci
      
      Dilan
      
      Farley
      
      Flanagan
      
      Gianaris
      
      Krueger
      
      LaValle
      
      Larkin
      
      Libous
      
      Little
      
      Marcellino
      
      Maziarz
      
      Montgomery
      
      Nozzolio
      
      Parker
      
      Perkins
      
      Seward
      
      Skelos
      
      Stewart-Cousins
      
      Valesky
      
      aye wr (1)
      
      Hannon
      
      excused (2)
      
      Espaillat
      
      Hassell-Thompson
  Jun 2, 2014 - Insurance Committee Vote
  S4235B
  
  18
  
  Aye
  
  0
  
  Nay
  
  1
  
  Aye with Reservations
  
  0
  
  Absent
  
  0
  
  Excused
  
  0
  
  Abstained
  - - Insurance Committee Vote: Jun 2, 2014
      
      aye (18)
      
      Avella
      
      Breslin
      
      Carlucci
      
      Espaillat
      
      Flanagan
      
      Golden
      
      Grisanti
      
      Kennedy
      
      Lanza
      
      Larkin
      
      Martins
      
      O'Brien
      
      O'Mara
      
      Parker
      
      Peralta
      
      Seward
      
      Stavisky
      
      Young
      
      aye wr (1)
      
      LaValle

Bill Amendments

Original

B (Active)

2013-S4235 - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1093
Law Section:: Insurance Law
Laws Affected:: Add §215, Ins L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2015-2016: S3758, A4172
2017-2018: S1594, S7246, A1643
2019-2020: S1634, A7830

2013-S4235 - Summary

Creates a task force on disasters; provides that such task force shall consist of twenty-three members.

2013-S4235 - Sponsor Memo

                                BILL NUMBER:S4235

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:  This bill would create 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.

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 information on the challenges that insurers face when
responding to a disaster, possible ways for insurers to work with
community stakeholders and state agencies to ensure that claims are
investigated and processed in a timely fashion, a summary of
complaints that policyholders from affected areas have filed with the
Department of Financial Services and the final resolution of those
complaints, suggested legislation on how to improve the insurance
industry's response to disasters, and any other information the
Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services and the
Commissioner of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency
Services deems relevant.

Justification:  Following Superstorm Sandy and Tropical Storms Irene
and Lee, it was found that there were lengthy delays in the time it
was taking insurance companies 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.

Prior Legislative History: New bill

Fiscal Implications For State: Unknown

Fiscal Implications for Local Governments: Unknown

EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately.

2013-S4235 - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  4235

                       2013-2014 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                             March 15, 2013
                               ___________

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:
  S 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 CLAIMANTS IN CONNECTING WITH INSURANCE
COMPANIES,  AND WHAT STEPS THE INDUSTRY CAN TAKE TO IMPROVE ITS RESPONSE
IN THE FUTURE.   THE GOAL OF THE TASK FORCE  ON  DISASTERS  WILL  BE  TO
DETERMINE  IF  POLICYHOLDERS  AND  COMMUNITIES  HAVE  ADEQUATE INSURANCE
COVERAGE AND IF THEY ARE ABLE TO RELY UPON THAT COVERAGE IN THE EVENT OF
A DISASTER.
  (B) (1) THE TASK FORCE SHALL CONSIST OF EIGHTEEN MEMBERS, ONE OF  WHOM
SHALL BE THE SUPERINTENDENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE, ONE
OF WHOM SHALL BE THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
AND  EMERGENCY SERVICES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE, FOUR OF
WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, FOUR OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED
BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION  OF  THE  SPEAKER  OF  THE
ASSEMBLY, FOUR OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE
RECOMMENDATION  OF  THE  TEMPORARY  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, TWO OF WHOM
SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF  THE
MINORITY  LEADER  OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND TWO OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD05808-02-3

S. 4235                             2

THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE
SENATE.
  (2) THE APPOINTEES SHALL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOLLOWING:
  (A)  FIVE  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, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES
FROM COMPANIES OF VARYING SIZES AND LOCATIONS AND AT LEAST  ONE  INSURER
WHO WRITES FOR THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.
  (B)  FIVE  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 NEW YORK CITY, LONG ISLAND, THE HUDSON  VALLEY,  AND  RURAL
AREAS OF THE STATE THAT ARE PRONE TO FLOODING.
  (C) TWO ORGANIZATIONS THAT REPRESENT INDEPENDENT AND PUBLIC ADJUSTERS.
  (D) TWO NON-PROFITS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH DISASTER RELIEF.
  (E) TWO CONSUMER ADVOCACY GROUPS.
  (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 WITH COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS AND STATE  AGENCIES  TO
ENSURE THAT CLAIMS ARE INVESTIGATED AND PROCESSED IN A TIMELY FASHION, A
SUMMARY  OF COMPLAINTS THAT POLICYHOLDERS FROM AFFECTED AREAS HAVE FILED
WITH THE DEPARTMENT  AND  THE  FINAL  RESOLUTION  OF  THOSE  COMPLAINTS,
SUGGESTED  LEGISLATION  ON  HOW  TO  IMPROVE  THE  INSURANCE  INDUSTRY'S
RESPONSE TO DISASTERS, 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)  ADDITIONAL STEPS INSURERS CAN TAKE TO BETTER RESPOND TO THE NEEDS
OF COMMUNITIES AND POLICYHOLDERS AFFECTED BY A DISASTER;
  (4) HOW INSURERS CAN EFFECTIVELY INVESTIGATE CLAIMS AND MAKE  PAYMENTS
WHEN  ENTIRE  COMMUNITIES  HAVE  BEEN  WIPED  OUT  AND  PEOPLE HAVE BEEN
DISPLACED;
  (5) WAYS INSURERS CAN  PROACTIVELY  REACH  OUT  TO  POLICYHOLDERS  AND
COMMUNITIES FOLLOWING A DISASTER;

S. 4235                             3

  (6)  WHETHER  OR  NOT INSURERS ARE GIVING POLICYHOLDERS ENOUGH TIME TO
FILE CLAIMS FOLLOWING A DISASTER;
  (7)  STEPS INSURERS CURRENTLY TAKE TO ADEQUATELY ASSESS DAMAGE SO THAT
HOMEOWNERS AND MUNICIPALITIES CAN REMOVE DEBRIS AND MAKE REPAIRS QUICKLY
AND ANY ADDITIONAL STEPS INSURERS CAN TAKE;
  (8) WAYS INSURERS ASSIST  HOMEOWNERS  AND  BUSINESSES  AFFECTED  BY  A
DISASTER  WHOSE PREMIUMS ARE DUE AND WHETHER THERE IS ADDITIONAL ASSIST-
ANCE AVAILABLE TO POLICYHOLDERS;
  (9) 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;
  (10) WHETHER OR NOT NEW YORKERS HAVE ADEQUATE INSURANCE  COVERAGE  AND
IF  NOT,  IDENTIFYING  WHAT  BARRIERS EXIST THAT MAY PREVENT PEOPLE FROM
PURCHASING ADEQUATE COVERAGE;
  (11) STEPS INSURERS TAKE TO PREVENT DISPUTES WITH POLICYHOLDERS AND TO
RESOLVE THOSE WHICH DO OCCUR AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL  STEPS  INSURERS  CAN
TAKE;
  (12)  LEGISLATIVE  ACTIONS  THAT  CAN  BE  CONSIDERED  TO ADDRESS SUCH
ISSUES.
  S 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

2013-S4235A - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1093
Law Section:: Insurance Law
Laws Affected:: Add §215, Ins L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2015-2016: S3758, A4172
2017-2018: S1594, S7246, A1643
2019-2020: S1634, A7830

2013-S4235A - Summary

Creates a task force on disasters; provides that such task force shall consist of twenty-three members.

2013-S4235A - Sponsor Memo

                                BILL NUMBER:S4235A

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:  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.

2013-S4235A - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                 4235--A

                       2013-2014 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                             March 15, 2013
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen. LATIMER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
  printed to be committed to the Committee on Insurance  --  recommitted
  to the Committee on Insurance in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8
  --  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:
  S 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 EIGHTEEN MEMBERS, ONE OF  WHOM
SHALL BE THE SUPERINTENDENT OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE, ONE
OF WHOM SHALL BE THE COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
AND  EMERGENCY SERVICES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE, FOUR OF
WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, FOUR OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED
BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION  OF  THE  SPEAKER  OF  THE
ASSEMBLY, FOUR OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE
RECOMMENDATION  OF  THE  TEMPORARY  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, TWO OF WHOM
SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF  THE
MINORITY  LEADER  OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND TWO OF WHOM SHALL BE APPOINTED BY
THE GOVERNOR BASED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE
SENATE.

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD05808-05-4

S. 4235--A                          2

  (2) THE APPOINTEES SHALL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FOLLOWING:
  (A)  FIVE  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, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES
FROM COMPANIES OF VARYING SIZES AND LOCATIONS AND AT LEAST  ONE  INSURER
WHO WRITES FOR THE NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM.
  (B)  FIVE  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 NEW YORK CITY, LONG ISLAND, THE HUDSON  VALLEY,  AND  RURAL
AREAS OF THE STATE THAT ARE PRONE TO FLOODING.
  (C) TWO ORGANIZATIONS THAT REPRESENT INDEPENDENT AND PUBLIC ADJUSTERS.
  (D) TWO NON-PROFITS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH DISASTER RELIEF.
  (E) TWO CONSUMER ADVOCACY GROUPS.
  (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;
  (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. 4235--A                          3

  (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.
  S 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

co-Sponsors

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Details

See Assembly Version of this Bill:: A1093
Law Section:: Insurance Law
Laws Affected:: Add §215, Ins L
Versions Introduced in Other Legislative Sessions:: 2015-2016: S3758, A4172
2017-2018: S1594, S7246, A1643
2019-2020: S1634, A7830

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Summary

Creates a task force on disasters; provides that such task force shall consist of twenty-three members.

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                BILL NUMBER:S4235B

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: 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 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
representative, one of whom shall be the commissioner of the

department of homeland security and emergency services or his or her
designated representative, 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 recommendation 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,
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
emergency services personnel, and local officials responsible for the
coordination 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 representatives from New York city, Long Island, Mid-Hudson,
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
policyholders for loss of or damage to real property, personal
property, or other liabilities for loss of, damage to, or injury to
persons or property.

(3) Recommendations and appointments shall take into consideration the
expertise of other appointees, so that the task force reflects a
diversity 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 challenges that insurers face when responding to a disaster,
possible ways for insurers to work better with community stakeholders
and state agencies 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

(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: 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.

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                 4235--B

                       2013-2014 Regular Sessions

                            I N  S E N A T E

                             March 15, 2013
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen. LATIMER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
  printed to be committed to the Committee on Insurance  --  recommitted
  to the Committee on Insurance in accordance with Senate Rule 6, sec. 8
  --  committee  discharged,  bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended
  and recommitted to said committee  --  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:
  S 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-

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD05808-09-4

S. 4235--B                          2

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,
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;

S. 4235--B                          3

  (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 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.
  S 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

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Senate Bill S4235B

Sponsored By

Archive: Last Bill Status Via A1093 - Vetoed by Governor

Jun 19, 2014 - Floor Vote

Floor Vote: Jun 19, 2014

Jun 19, 2014 - Rules Committee Vote

Rules Committee Vote: Jun 19, 2014

Jun 2, 2014 - Insurance Committee Vote

Insurance Committee Vote: Jun 2, 2014

Bill Amendments

2013-S4235 - Details

2013-S4235 - Summary

2013-S4235 - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4235 - Bill Text download pdf

2013-S4235A - Details

2013-S4235A - Summary

2013-S4235A - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4235A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Details

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

Senate Bill S4235B

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Sponsored By

George Latimer

Archive: Last Bill Status Via A1093 - Vetoed by Governor

Bill Amendments

2013-S4235 - Details

2013-S4235 - Summary

2013-S4235 - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4235 - Bill Text download pdf

2013-S4235A - Details

2013-S4235A - Summary

2013-S4235A - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4235A - Bill Text download pdf

co-Sponsors

Cecilia Tkaczyk

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Details

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Summary

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2013-S4235B (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments