C APITOL UPDATE Things are in full swing at the Capitol, with new legislation being circulated and introduced almost every day. Despite some contention at the beginning of the legislative session, there has been room for bipartisanship between the Democratic Governor and Republican-Majority Legislature. At this point, there have been more than twenty bills been signed into law by the Governor, including two PIA priorities. Hopefully more will be on the way very soon! One such priority is Senate Bill 160/Assembly Bill 147, which imposes certain requirements related to insurance data cybersecurity and grants exemptions for small businesses. This legislation that has been reintroduced from last session, is based on the NAIC model law that has already been passed in fourteen states and more are sure to follow soon. The Wisconsin version: • • • •
Establishes the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance as the regulating entity for cybersecurity, maintaining state control Sets cybersecurity standards, reporting requirements and best practices Protects consumer confidence in our industry Exempts small businesses with fewer than 50 employees
This legislation has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Science, Technology and Broadband, and the Senate Committee on Insurance, Licensing and Forestry. On April 1st, the senate committee, chaired by former PIA President Senator Mary Felzkowski, held a hearing on the bill. Current PIA President Julie Ulset testified in front of the committee and conveyed the importance of data security for independent insurance agents, their clients, and the insurance industry as a whole. There are a few amendments that have been offered on the legislation that will expand the exemptions for small businesses, 10 MAY/JUNE 21
while also strengthening and clarifying reporting requirements. PIA will continue advocating for the bill to come to a vote by the committee and hopefully the full Senate in the near future. Furthermore, the state is currently set to receive federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan in the near future. PIA is lobbying for federal dollars to be directed to grants for small businesses that continue to struggle with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state is currently in its biennial budget process. PIA is advocating that broadband infrastructure be made a priority with funding in the budget as well as with the disbursement of federal dollars, so that all areas of Wisconsin may be connected and conduct business at a high level. Ensuring that all of Wisconsin has strong broadband infrastructure will not only help small businesses and the insurance industry but will strengthen all of Wisconsin for the future. Finally, PIA is always monitoring the legislation being introduced in the Capitol and keeping an eye on anything that may impact the insurance industry. Some bills that may be of interest: Senate Bill 295 – This bill, authored by Senator LaTonya Johnson and Representative Jonathan Brostoff, would eliminate public official immunity as a defense for civil liability claims against law enforcement officers. Senate Bill 298 – This bill, authored by Senator Roger Roth and Representative Rachael Cabral-Guevara, would prohibit the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection from creating rules that would prevent dogs from being present on the premises of certain retail establishments. Senate Bill 301 – This bill, authored by Senate André Jacque and Representative Spiros, would line up current laws regarding the use of recreational vehicles while intoxicated to add consistency. [Continued on page 11]
