PIA National Statement on Extension
of NFIP to December 20

PIA National is pleased that the Senate joined the House in including an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in a federal funding continuing resolution (CR) that will fund the NFIP and other federal programs until December 20. The CR was approved in the Senate by a vote of 74-20. The NFIP would have expired after today without Congressional action. Once the president signs the bill into law, which he has indicated he will do, the NFIP will be on its 14th short-term extension since its most recent long term authority ended in 2017.

"While this extension of the NFIP is appreciated because it avoids a lapse in the program, it is frustrating for agents and NFIP policyholders that Congress is yet again passing a last-minute, short-term extension of the NFIP, guaranteeing that these stakeholders will return to the brink of lapse in a mere four weeks," said Jon Gentile, Vice President of Government Relations of PIA National. "Months ago now, the House Financial Services Committee unanimously passed a bipartisan, five-year reauthorization of the NFIP that includes important reforms."

"The bipartisan support for the House NFIP legislative package is largely unheard of in the current political climate," Gentile said. "This legislation should be brought to the House floor and passed and then be considered by the Senate as soon as possible. Never-ending short-term extensions cause confusion and ambiguity for NFIP policyholders, and they are disruptive to the market. The program needs reform, and the House NFIP legislative package includes it. On behalf of consumers and independent agents alike, we implore Congress to act now."

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America^SM. PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.

Virtual Exhibit Hall

PIA National praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a bipartisan bill that extends the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP) for seven years with minimal changes to the program. H.R. 4634 was passed by a vote of 385-22 on the evening of November 18.

"PIA strongly supports this bill, which extends the TRIA program for seven years while only making minimal changes to it, a key request PIA National has been pushing for in our advocacy," said Jon Gentile, PIA National Vice President of Government Relations. "The House passage of TRIA over a year in advance of its expiration is a breath of fresh air and will be welcomed by policyholders and the market," said Gentile.

The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) was originally signed into law in 2002 and has since been reauthorized in 2005, 2007, and, most recently, in 2015. PIA was instrumental in securing the initial creation and passage of TRIA in 2002 and has supported all of its subsequent reauthorizations, including this one.

The U.S. Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider companion legislation (S. 2877) to the House-passed TRIA program bill this week. PIA strongly supports this legislation and is asking for it to pass without major changes.

The purpose of Advisory Letter 2019-05 is to advise and remind all licensed business entities (producer agencies) of the mandatory requirement of the registration of individuals affiliated with producer agencies pursuant to La. R.S. 22:1546(B)(1)(b).

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Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge

March 4 and 5, 2020

We're excited to announce that the Louisiana Department of Insurance will be returning to the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge Hotel to host its first ever combined event — LDI Health, Property & Casualty and Fraud Conference on March 4 and 5, 2020!

With a day and a half agenda filled with expert speakers and nearly two dozen breakout sessions, this will be a fantastic opportunity to network and learn more about the current landscape of our health care system and the future of the insurance industry — including the rising health care costs on a federal and national level. We will also explore emerging innovations in the property and casualty insurance industry and take an in-depth look at ongoing efforts to combat insurance fraud.

The registration fee is $125 for individuals and businesses; and $50 for government employees. The fee will cover a light morning snack, plated lunch and an afternoon snack on Wednesday, as well as breakfast on Thursday. Approximately nine hours of Life, Health & Accident and Property & Casualty continuing education credit hours will be offered for active, licensed insurance producers, as well as adjusters, who attend the conference. We also plan to obtain approval to offer continuing legal education credits this year. More information will be provided as soon as we finalize our agenda. The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday; and again from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Thursday.

A conference agenda, registration form and information for securing reservations at the Crowne Plaza Baton Rouge Hotel, will be emailed to you by early December.

Exhibitor spaces will be available for a fee of $500, which includes registration for two individuals to staff the booth and attend the full conference program, including breaks and lunch. Please contact Julie Freeman at julie.freeman@ldi.la.gov for exhibitor information.

We anticipate an attendance of approximately 600 individuals and hope that you can join us in making this a successful event. Please contact Crystal Stutes at (225) 342-4311 or Julie Freeman at (225) 219-4772 with any questions. You may also email the Department at healthcareconf@ldi.la.gov.