Progress for Independent Agents as 2026 Session of the General Assembly Concludes
The Connecticut General Assembly brought the 2026 session to a close at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday evening. During the “short session,” which occurs in even-numbered years, Big I Connecticut was vocal and visible on several priority issues, helping to pass key legislation and stop harmful proposals.
Diligent Effort Repeal
Big I Connecticut members contacted lawmakers in support of an agreement brokered by Insurance and Real Estate Committee Co-Chair Kerry Wood and Insurance Commissioner Josh Hershman to repeal the surplus lines diligent effort requirement. The legislation passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now heads to Gov. Ned Lamont for signature. If signed into law, the repeal will take effect October 1, 2026.
Non-Compete Agreement Restrictions
An effort to further restrict the use of non-compete agreements once again failed to gain sufficient support in either legislative chamber. Big I Connecticut’s advocacy helped secure several positive changes during negotiations, including preserving restrictive covenants related to the sale of a business and, in one version of the bill, eliminating a proposed 12-month restriction on non-solicitation agreements.
Despite those improvements, Big I Connecticut remains opposed to the legislation as drafted and continues to advocate for a carve-out for entities regulated by the Connecticut Insurance Department.
Third Party Litigation Funding
Efforts to achieve legal system reform unfortunately hit a roadblock. Lawmakers in the House removed a measure authorizing the Department of Insurance to study the effects of third-party litigation funding (TPLF) from a larger bill. We will continue, along with other business groups, to press the case for regulating TPLF arrangements. However, this action demonstrates that our work will be difficult.
Assignment of Benefits Reform
A Big I Connecticut Call to Action and letters sent to legislative leaders unfortunately were not enough to get this AOB reform bill passed this year, but these efforts have helped raise greater awareness of the issue. We will use the remainder of the year to continue educating lawmakers on the need for AOB reform and strategize on how to enact this consumer bill of rights in the 2027 legislative session.
Insurance Commissioner Confirmed
The CT General Assembly also confirmed Josh Hershman as state Insurance Commissioner. Big I Connecticut hosted a productive roundtable with Hershman during the CT Morning at the Capitol and looks forward to working with him and his team.
Medicare Advantage Commission
Although not directly addressed by the General Assembly this session, Big I Connecticut continues raising concerns about Medicare Advantage enrollees losing access to professional brokers as some carriers reduce commissions to zero percent.
This trend disproportionately impacts Connecticut and other states with smaller Medicare Advantage markets. Big I Connecticut will continue educating state lawmakers as more consumers are pushed toward call centers and complex online enrollment systems when making critical healthcare coverage decisions. At the same time, the association continues advocating reforms at the federal level to address the issue.
Grassroots Advocacy Never Sleeps
The months between legislative sessions provide an important opportunity to continue advocating for our industry and strengthening relationships with lawmakers. One way Big I Connecticut members can stay engaged is by participating in Government Affairs Committee (GAC) meetings. GAC members help identify emerging public policy challenges and provide valuable input in shaping legislative priorities and positions.
Thank you to the many members who participated in grassroots advocacy efforts throughout the session. That work will continue through the summer and fall as we build on this year’s momentum.
Members interested in meeting with their state lawmakers or learning more about the Government Affairs Committee are encouraged to contact Travis Wattie, AVP of Government Affairs, for additional information.
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