FEMA has posted updated state-specific information on Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action. You can find state profiles that include spreadsheets with more information on the expected premium changes here.

To discuss some of those Risk Rating 2.0 FAQs, and next steps, you can attend the following webinar:

Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance Webinar

Tuesday, May 4, 2:00 p.m. CST

Register in advance for this meeting.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance urges the public to beware of misinformation circulating on social media sites claiming that receiving a COVID-19 vaccination would result in the death benefit not being paid on existing life insurance policies or would result in an individual not being able to obtain new life insurance. Other rumors suggest that life insurance policies do not cover death due to COVID-19. This information is false.

"These rumors are untrue, and your life insurance investments are not affected by your decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19," said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. Louisiana law does not permit life insurance exclusions based on the insured person having received a vaccine. A vaccine for COVID-19 is not a cause for denial, and life insurers do not take into account whether or not a policyholder has received a COVID-19 vaccine in determining whether to pay a claim.

House passage of legislative protection from federal prosecution for insurance agents who do business with cannabis-related enterprises in states in which such businesses are legal. H.R. 1996, the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act, passed the U.S. House 321-101 on April 19.

In addition to protecting insurance agents, the SAFE Banking Act also makes it easier for banks to offer financial services to the cannabis industry. PIA has been working with a coalition of industry allies in support of this legislation, and we successfully advocated for key insurance specific protections to be included in the bill. Last week PIA reiterated our support for the legislation, and we're pleased it passed with such bipartisan support.

Nearly every state has legalized cannabis to some degree. PIA views its position as respectful of state insurance laws; PIA and our members seek to protect independent agents from criminal prosecution for engaging in business activities that are legal pursuant to state law.

"PIA does not take a position on the legalization of cannabis and views this issue strictly as a matter of respecting state insurance laws," said Jon Gentile, PIA vice president of government relations. "PIA will advocate for the prompt Senate passage of cannabis safe harbor legislation that protects insurance agents, and we are making the passage of the SAFE Banking Act one of our top priorities."

PIA has released its 2021 Issues of Focus in preparation for its upcoming Advocacy Day, formerly known as the Federal Legislative Summit (FLS). PIA members will highlight these issues during their meetings with their elected representatives on Advocacy Day May 12.

PIA deploys its grassroots advocacy resources throughout the year on countless issues of importance to independent insurance agents. For our annual Advocacy Day, our members are focused on timely advocacy on the matters that are most vital to them and their businesses.

PIA's full Issues of Focus document, including background information on each issue, can be found here. An overview of the five issues on which PIA members will focus their advocacy efforts during their meetings with lawmakers next month can be found here.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has announced the launch of its Home Inventory App. The NAIC Home Inventory App makes it easy for consumers to create and protect a record of their belongings and offers tips on disaster preparation and filing claims.

The NAIC Home Inventory App can be accessed from the App Store and Google Play.