Many of the insurance industry’s leading advocates—including Big I New York, Big I Connecticut, and the national Big “I"—joined key state legislators in Chicago last week for the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) Summer 2025 Meeting. Independent agents and brokers were well represented through the active participation of Travis Wattie, AVP of Government Relations for Big I New York & Connecticut, and Wesley Bissett, Senior Counsel for Government Affairs at the Big “I."
NCOIL is made up of state legislators from across the country who serve on committees overseeing insurance and financial services policy. The organization develops model laws to help state legislatures address key public policy challenges in the insurance sector. The Summer 2025 meeting agenda featured deliberations on model acts related to life insurers’ use of genetic information, artificial intelligence, credit, storm chaser consumer protections, transportation network companies, and aerial imaging.
Wes Bissett of the Big “I" delivered remarks during the aerial imaging discussion, expressing support for the proposed model act. The act outlines key consumer protections related to the use of aerial imagery, including guidelines for policy non-renewals and provisions allowing consumers to address concerns raised by insurers based on this emerging technology.
Big I New York’s presence was especially significant this year, as New York State Assembly Member Pam Hunter currently serves as NCOIL President. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded stakeholder engagement and set two new attendance records. In addition to supporting Assembly Member Hunter, Travis Wattie also met with:
- New York Assembly Insurance Committee Chair David Weprin
- New York Senate Insurance Committee Ranking Member Pam Helming
- New York Assembly Insurance Committee Member Erik Dilan
- New York Assembly Insurance Committee Member Jarett Gandolfo
- Connecticut Insurance & Real Estate Committee Member Stephen Meskers
- Top New York Assembly Insurance Committee Staff
- Insurance industry leaders from New York, around the country, and internationally