Advocacy in action blog

Legislation signed into law today by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts provides citizens throughout the Cornhusker state with enhanced consumer protections when buying annuities. Strongly supported by Nebraska Director of Insurance Bruce Ramge and championed in the Nebraska Legislature by State Senator Matt Williams, the new law closely tracks the ‘best interest of consumer enhancements’ in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation. It also aligns with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest.

NAIFA-California held their annual Day on the Hill as a virtual event over several days in late March. Attendees received legislative and regulatory updates and heard from speakers who shared insights about building relationships with lawmakers and being an effective political advocate.

State advocacy is among part of NAIFA's critical mission to ensure policymakers in every state capital understand the important role of insurance and financial professionals in providing financial security and prosperity to families and small business in communities across the United States. 

In 2018, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum unveiled the state’s new brand: Be Legendary.

Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed a NAIFA-promoted best interest bill into law. The bill, HR 79, is based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Suitability in Annuity Transaction Model Regulation.

The Montana State Legislature is considering a bill that would end the state’s practice of treating all people, regardless of gender, the same by insurance companies when setting rates and product offerings.

NAIFA-MN opposes a bill that would create a state-wide paid and family medical leave insurance program in Minnesota, HF 1200, which is under consideration in the state House.

NAIFA-Maine’s virtual Legislative Breakfast on March 9 featured video conference meetings connecting NAIFA members with state lawmakers whose policy decision impact the businesses of insurance and financial professionals as well as the consumers they serve. Legislators in attendance included:

NAIFA-ND President Lyle Kraft testified at the State Senate Industry, Business and Labor Committee on March 9, on the importance of passing an important new best interest standard.

NAIFA’s Texas chapter (NAIFA-TX) held a successful legislative event last week, with several dozen participants. The annual Day at the Capitol was planned as a hybrid event, with both in-person and virtual attendees. However, the lingering effects of recent winter storms required NAIFA-TX to quickly shift to an all-virtual event.