Senate advances eight insurance-related measures; most go to finance or are reported to the floor

Senator Jamal Tiberi opened the March 9 session and presented an eight‑bill, insurance‑focused agenda that the chamber moved through in a single meeting.

The most immediate outcome: committee members moved and advanced all eight bills on the agenda. Several measures were recorded as "reported to the floor," while others were formally referred to the Finance Committee for additional review.

Senate Print 6 61: Senator Tiberi introduced a bill amending the insurance law to prohibit imposition of different premium rates for disability insurance. The bill was moved by director Hartman, seconded by Senator Sanders, members voiced aye, and the measure was reported to the floor.

Senate Print 16 70‑b: The committee considered a bill to require insurance coverage for lactation support and services. The presenter described the coverage requirement; Senator Hartman moved the bill, Senator Samuels seconded, and the bill was reported to the floor.

Senate Print 31 47: A measure on the sale of a non‑indemnity legal service plan was introduced and moved by Senator Samba, with Senator Davenport seconding; the bill was reported to the floor.

Senate President 48 09‑b (captive insurance for passenger vehicles): The presenter described a bill to permit captive insurance for commuter vans, black cars, ambulances, paratransit vehicles and small school buses. A committee member asked whether the measure had been revised to address prior gubernatorial vetoes; the presenter responded that the existing draft excludes livery vehicles. The motion carried, but the measure was referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.

Senate Print 50 48 50: A bill to expand breast cancer‑screening coverage to include certain second‑degree relatives and criteria was introduced and referred to the Finance Committee after being moved and seconded.

Senate Print 53 10: The committee advanced a proposal to permit, in limited circumstances, a waiver of the diligent‑effort requirement for licensed excess‑line brokers placing coverage with unauthorized insurers. Senator Coleman moved the bill, Senator Sanders seconded, and the bill was reported.

Senate Print 59 55‑b: Lawmakers discussed extending health insurance coverage to acupuncture services, including remarks about cultural competency and access in some communities. The committee moved the measure and reported it to the floor.

Senate 0.8097: The final bill would amend chapter 394 of the laws of 2018 related to an evaluation manual and direct the Department of Financial Services to study the implementation and reporting timelines. Senator Hidalgo moved the measure, Senator Sanders seconded, and the clerk said the vote would be recorded.

The chair thanked those present, noted follow‑up communications, and closed the session. Several bills now move forward either to the Senate floor or to the Finance Committee for additional review.