Advocacy in action blog

Tennessee House Bill 1173 would have permitted funeral directors in some cases to obtain life insurance information – including the names of beneficiaries and policy benefits amounts – from insurance companies or agents. However, thanks to quick action by NAIFA-TN's grassroots and advocacy team, the House Insurance Subcommittee defeated the bill.

NAIFA's California chapter is holding its annual Legislative Day in Sacramento on March 29. The event will feature visits with lawmakers by NAIFA-CA members, during which they will discuss SB 263, a legislative proposal that in its current form would harm the ability of insurance agents and brokers to serve the public. 

Congress, with strong bipartisan support, passed the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers Reform Act more than eight years ago. The law would significantly streamline the process for insurance agents and brokers to be licensed in more than one state. This would obviously benefit producers by reducing red tape and regulatory costs, but it would also be a boon to consumers by promoting choice and fostering economic growth.

On February 27, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the NAIFA supported SECURE Notarization Act of 2023 by a voice vote. The bipartisan legislation was introduced earlier this month by U.S. Reps. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.).

NAIFA joined in a letter of support to the House Financial Services Committee for efforts in introducing the Data Privacy Act of 2023. The Data Privacy Act would modernize the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), a working data privacy framework for insurance consistent with consumer expectations.

American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA)-Georgia President Joe Schreck issued the following joint statement on the best interest annuity rule adopted recently by Georgia’s Insurance Department:

“A new rule adopted by Georgia’s Insurance Department and Commissioner John King strengthens protections for Peach State consumers seeking lifetime income from annuities.

A new rule adopted recently by the Illinois Department of Insurance provides greater safeguards for consumers seeking lifetime income from annuities. Illinois is the 32^nd state to adopt a measure that implements the “best interest of consumer enhancements” in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)  Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation.  The new laws and regulations also align with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest.

NAIFA is the only association for insurance and financial professionals with a strong political advocacy presence in Washington, D.C., and every state capital. Around the country, 32 NAIFA state chapters are holding Legislative Days during the first quarter of 2023.

NAIFA Policy Director Maeghan Gale testified to Washington state lawmakers that ample private-sector options are available for employers who want to set up retirement plans for their workers or for employees who want to prepare for retirement on their own. Washington lawmakers are considering a feasibility study for a potential state-facilitated Auto-IRA program.

NAIFA's "State of Advocacy" report details NAIFA's federal, state, and interstate advocacy efforts in 2022 in facts and figures. It also runs down the major policy issues impacting agents and advisors as well as the Main Street consumers they serve.

NAIFA's "State of Advocacy" provides a snapshot of how NAIFA and NAIFA members are making a difference and influencing the decisions that affect Americans' financial security.