Repeals provisions relating to mandatory anti-arson applications for insurance coverage to insure any building against the peril of fire or explosion.
Summary
This bill repeals section 3403 of the New York Insurance Law, which requires certain anti-arson applications for insurance coverage on buildings insured against fire or explosion. In practical terms, it would eliminate the statutory requirement that applicants complete the anti-arson form as a condition of obtaining this type of property insurance.
The bill also directs the Superintendent of Financial Services to repeal any rules and regulations that implement the repealed section. Because the repeal takes effect immediately, insurers and applicants would no longer be governed by the anti-arson application requirement once the act becomes law, and any related administrative guidance would need to be withdrawn or revised.
Impact
The bill would remove a specific insurance-law compliance requirement tied to property insurance for buildings, affecting insurers, insurance applicants, and the Department of Financial Services. It would amend state law by deleting Insurance Law section 3403 and eliminating associated regulations, thereby reducing paperwork and regulatory obligations connected to fire and explosion coverage applications.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong bipartisan or at least unanimous support: the Assembly Insurance Committee approved the bill 22-0, the Assembly passed it 148-0, and the Senate passed it 53-0. That voting pattern suggests the bill was viewed favorably and as a low-conflict regulatory cleanup measure rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
No committee transcript is available, and the recorded votes show no opposition in either chamber, so there is little evidence of substantive contention. Any potential concern would likely come from insurers or regulators who may have favored retaining the anti-arson screening requirement as an anti-fraud or anti-fire-prevention safeguard, but the legislative record provided does not show organized opposition.
Same As
Repeals provisions relating to mandatory anti-arson applications for insurance coverage to insure any building against the peril of fire or explosion.