Once again, the National Assn. of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) demonstrated that it can do what it pleases, regardless of industry protests. This instance involves the System for Electronic Rate and Form Filing (SERFF), used by insurers and state insurance departments for filing policy forms and rates.

It is not surprising in the aftermath of the horrific Connecticut school shootings to see lawmakers at both the state and federal levels trying to identify new ways to curb gun-related violence. One of the more novel, if misguided, approaches has been to propose mandatory liability insurance for gun owners.

How will state legislative changes affect industry issues?

Paul Tetrault explains why agencies need to view bills to regulate litigation financing with caution.

Overall, on a nationwide basis, the 2010 state legislative session was a bit quieter than expected by many insurer representatives.

The insurance industry operates with a high level of oversight from public officials. That's a given.

Cash-strapped states are having a historically hard time balancing their budgets.

Many states have legislation that would create or expand "bad faith" insurer liability.