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NY High Court Lowers Bar To Suing Over Dog Bites

Abstract: It will be easier for victims of dog bites to hold pet owners liable thanks to a ruling last month from New York's highest court. Body: ​It will be easier for victims of dog bites to hold pet owners liable thanks to a ruling last month from New York's highest court. The Court of Appeals unanimously overturned previous rulings holding dog owners to a “strict liability" standard, meaning that the owner had no defense against a lawsuit only if they had “actual or constructive knowledge of their animal's vicious propensities." The case involved a postal worker bitten in 2018 by a 70-pound dog while…

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Big I NY Single Producer License Bill Introduced

Abstract: Big I New York’s bill to create a single insurance producer’s license has been introduced in the New York State Assembly. Body: ​Big I New York's bill to create a single insurance producer's license has been introduced in the New York State Assembly. Assemblymember Pamela J. Hunter (D – 128th District) introduced Assembly Bill 8065 in that chamber on April 22, 2025.The bill would replace separate licenses for insurance agents and brokers with a single producer's license. Separate licenses for the life/health and property/casualty lines of authority would continue to exist.The bill would conform New York's licensing system with those in most other states.…

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Big I in the House (and Senate) for D.C. Legislative Conference!

Abstract: Capitol Hill was buzzing last week with hundreds of independent insurance agents who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 Big “I” Legislative Conference. Body: Capitol Hill was buzzing last week with hundreds of independent insurance agents who traveled to Washington, D.C. for the 2025 Big “I" Legislative Conference. Big I New York and Connecticut were well-represented with 34 members, plus staff, in attendance.Armed with legislative priorities and personal experiences, attendees shared compelling arguments with lawmakers and staff from nearly every New York and Connecticut Congressional office. Legal system reform was top of mind as members shared how unregulated third-party litigation financing (TPLF) puts upward pressure on…

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