federal legislation News

Viewpoint: The Imperative of Long-Term NFIP Reform

In the wake of a record-shattering 28 billion-dollar extreme weather and natural disaster season in 2023, the U.S. finds itself at the mercy of an increasingly volatile climate. As hurricanes grow fiercer, sea levels rise and rainfall patterns shift, one …

White House AI Council Meets as Legislative Action Stalls

The White House artificial intelligence council is meeting Monday, three months after President Joe Biden signed an executive order that aims to reduce the risks AI poses. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed, who will convene the council …

Bill Introduced to Keep CFPB Out of State Insurance Regulation

New bi-partisan legislation meant to keep the regulation of insurance companies with state regulators was introduced in the Senate on Jan. 16. The Business of Insurance Regulatory Reform Act of 2024 from senators Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Joe Manchin, D-W.V., …

Federal Reinsurance Backstop for Catastrophes: APCIA Says No Thanks

Federal lawmakers introduced a bill to create a federal natural catastrophe backstop recently, reacting to insurers’ issues with growing private reinsurance costs. But a trade group for carriers suggested that a federal remedy could create more problems. “Federal solutions to …

Senate Committee to Vote on Bipartisan Rail Safety Bill

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday will vote on sweeping bipartisan rail safety legislation prompted by a Norfolk Southern-operated train derailment on Feb. 3 in Ohio. Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, a Democrat, said the legislation will mandate the use …

Industry Trade Associations Oppose Potential New Cyber Claims Data-Sharing Rules

Insurance industry trade associations said they do not want “misguided provisions” related to cyber claims data sharing in the next National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2023. The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), National Association of Mutual …

N. D. Insurance Commissioner Urges U.S. Senate to Tackle Surprise Air Ambulance Bills

In a letter sent to U.S. Senate leaders in early July, North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread, urged lawmakers to take action on the issue of surprise bills from air ambulance providers. Godfread wrote to Senate leaders Mitch McConnell (R-KY) …

Vote Expected on Federal Funds to Test Connecticut Crumbling Foundations

Federal legislation that sets aside $4 million in federal funds to study the effects of the mineral pyrrhotite on concrete aggregate has advanced in the U.S. Congress. Democratic U.S. Joe Courtney, whose eastern Connecticut district includes homeowners with basements crumbling …

N.J. Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Rail Safety Probe Notification

A New Jersey congressman has introduced legislation to force federal regulators to notify Congress when a railroad or transit agency is being investigated for safety violations. The bill proposed by Democratic Rep. Albio Sires would require the Federal Railroad Administration …

White House to Propose Cybersecurity Legislation

White House officials Thursday planned to unveil a major legislative proposal aimed at improving U.S. cybersecurity and protecting the economy, an administration official said. The proposal is the result of two and one-half years of work. U.S. computers have long …