Bill Text: NY S00643 | 2009-2010 | General Assembly | Introduced


Bill Title: Enacts the "New York state catastrophe fund authority act" for the purpose of facilitating the creation of innovative solutions to property insurance crises and to ensure the viability of insurance carriers in the state; appropriates $10,000,000 to initiate such fund.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-01-06 - REFERRED TO INSURANCE [S00643 Detail]

Download: New_York-2009-S00643-Introduced.html
                           S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
       ________________________________________________________________________
                                          643
                              2009-2010 Regular Sessions
                                   I N  S E N A T E
                                   January 12, 2009
                                      ___________
       Introduced  by  Sen.  LARKIN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
         printed to be committed to the Committee on Finance
       AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to establishing  the  New
         York  state catastrophe fund authority act and making an appropriation
         therefor
         THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
       BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
    1    Section  1.  Short  title. This act shall be known and may be cited as
    2  the "New York state catastrophe fund authority act".
    3    S 2. Legislative findings and declaration.  The legislature finds  and
    4  declares:
    5    1.  There  is  a  compelling  state  interest to maintain a viable and
    6  orderly private sector property/casualty insurance market for both resi-
    7  dential and commercial properties in this state and  across  the  United
    8  States.  To  the extent that the private sector is unable to maintain an
    9  orderly market, due to catastrophic losses from natural disasters, state
   10  action to maintain an orderly insurance market is a  necessary  exercise
   11  of police power;
   12    2. As a result of scores of billions of dollars in insured losses from
   13  natural disasters this past year across the nation and the world, due to
   14  either  chance  or  as a result of global warming, numerous insurers are
   15  now beginning to reduce their loss exposure from  natural  disasters  by
   16  pulling  out of certain insurance markets.  The potential instability of
   17  the world reinsurance market, which has been caused  in  part  by  these
   18  events,  has  also increased pressure on direct insurers to reduce their
   19  risk exposure from a catastrophic loss;
   20    3. The formation of a public authority  to  provide  reimbursement  to
   21  insurers  for a portion of their catastrophic losses should create addi-
   22  tional insurance capacity to  ameliorate  the  current  dangers  to  the
   23  state's economy and to the public health, safety and welfare; and
        EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                             [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                                  LBD05228-01-9
       S. 643                              2
    1    4. To increase insurance industry capacity to cover insured losses, it
    2  is  essential  that  revenues  received by such authority be exempt from
    3  federal and state taxation. It is therefore the intent of  the  legisla-
    4  ture  that  this  program be structured as a public authority to operate
    5  the  fund.    Furthermore, funds held by such fund will be protected and
    6  remain available to pay for catastrophic losses and not used  for  state
    7  budget general fund expenditures.
    8    S  3.  The insurance law is amended by adding a new article 92 to read
    9  as follows:
   10                                 ARTICLE 92
   11                  NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY
   12  SECTION 9201.   DEFINITIONS.
   13          9202.   NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND.
   14          9202-A. NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY.
   15          9202-B. GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY.
   16          9203.   REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS.
   17          9204.   REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUMS.
   18          9205.   REVENUE BONDS.
   19          9206.   ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES.
   20          9206-A. NOTES AND BONDS OF THE AUTHORITY.
   21          9206-B. AGREEMENT OF THE STATE.
   22          9206-C. NOTES AND BONDS AS LEGAL INVESTMENT.
   23          9207.   ADVISORY COUNCIL.
   24          9208.   VIOLATIONS.
   25          9209.   INTERNATIONAL, FEDERAL, STATE,  REGIONAL  OR  MULTISTATE
   26                    CATASTROPHE FUNDS.
   27          9210.   FUND ASSETS UPON TERMINATION.
   28    S 9201. DEFINITIONS. AS USED IN THIS ARTICLE:
   29    (A)  "ACTUARIALLY  INDICATED"  MEANS, WITH RESPECT TO PREMIUMS PAID BY
   30  INSURERS FOR REIMBURSEMENT PROVIDED BY THE CATASTROPHE  FUND  AUTHORITY,
   31  AN  AMOUNT DETERMINED ACCORDING TO PRINCIPLES OF ACTUARIAL SCIENCE TO BE
   32  ADEQUATE, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE, IN THE AGGREGATE, TO PAY CURRENT AND FUTURE
   33  OBLIGATIONS AND EXPENSES OF THE FUND, INCLUDING  ADDITIONAL  AMOUNTS  IF
   34  NEEDED  TO  PAY  DEBT SERVICE ON REVENUE BONDS ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE
   35  AND TO PROVIDE REQUIRED DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE IN EXCESS OF  THE  AMOUNTS
   36  REQUIRED  TO  PAY  ACTUAL  DEBT  SERVICE  ON  REVENUE BONDS ISSUED UNDER
   37  SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE,  AND  DETERMINED
   38  ACCORDING  TO  PRINCIPLES OF ACTUARIAL SCIENCE TO REFLECT EACH INSURER'S
   39  RELATIVE EXPOSURE TO LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS.
   40    (B) "AUTHORITY" MEANS THE NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY.
   41    (C) "BOND" MEANS ANY BOND, DEBENTURE, NOTE OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF FINAN-
   42  CIAL INDEBTEDNESS ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE.
   43    (D) "COVERED EVENT" MEANS: (1) ANY WIND STORM,  INCLUDING  WIND  BORNE
   44  WATER  DAMAGE,  WHICH STORM CAUSES INSURED LOSSES IN THIS STATE; (2) ALL
   45  EARTHQUAKES THAT ARE DECLARED TO BE EARTHQUAKES  BY  THE  UNITED  STATES
   46  GEOLOGICAL  SURVEY,  AND  WHICH CAUSES INSURED LOSSES IN THIS STATE; (3)
   47  ALL ICE STORMS THAT ARE DECLARED BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT  TO  BE
   48  DESIGNATED AS A NATIONAL  DISASTER; AND (4) ANY OTHER CATASTROPHIC EVENT
   49  CAUSED  BY  NATURE  OR  AN  ACT  OF  GOD  THAT  IS  DEEMED TO BE A MAJOR
   50  CATASTROPHIC EVENT AS DESIGNATED BY THE GOVERNOR.
   51    (E) "COVERED POLICY" MEANS ANY INSURANCE POLICY  COVERING  RESIDENTIAL
   52  OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN THIS STATE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY
   53  HOMEOWNER'S, MOBILE HOME OWNER'S, FARM OWNER'S, CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION,
   54  CONDOMINIUM  UNIT OWNER'S, TENANT'S OR APARTMENT BUILDING POLICY, OR ANY
   55  OTHER POLICY COVERING A RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE OR ITS CONTENTS ISSUED  BY
   56  ANY  AUTHORIZED INSURER, INCLUDING A POLICY ISSUED BY THE NEW YORK PROP-
       S. 643                              3
    1  ERTY INSURANCE UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION, OR ANY INSURANCE POLICY  COVER-
    2  ING  COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES FROM PHYSICAL DAMAGE DUE TO ACTS OF NATURE OR
    3  ACTS OF GOD.  "COVERED POLICY" DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY  REINSURANCE  AGREE-
    4  MENT  OR  ANY POLICY THAT EXCLUDES COVERAGE FOR THE PERIL REFERRED TO IN
    5  SUBSECTION (D) OF THIS SECTION.
    6    (F) "DEBT SERVICE" MEANS THE AMOUNT REQUIRED IN ANY FISCAL YEAR TO PAY
    7  THE PRINCIPAL OF, REDEMPTION PREMIUM, IF ANY, AND  INTEREST  ON  REVENUE
    8  BONDS  AND  ANY  AMOUNTS REQUIRED BY THE TERMS OF DOCUMENTS AUTHORIZING,
    9  SECURING OR PROVIDING LIQUIDITY FOR REVENUE BONDS NECESSARY TO  MAINTAIN
   10  IN EFFECT ANY SUCH LIQUIDITY OR SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS.
   11    (G)  "DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE" MEANS THE AMOUNT, IF ANY, REQUIRED BY THE
   12  DOCUMENTS UNDER WHICH REVENUE BONDS ARE ISSUED, WHICH AMOUNT  IS  TO  BE
   13  RECEIVED IN ANY FISCAL YEAR IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO PAY DEBT
   14  SERVICE FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR.
   15    (H) "LOCAL GOVERNMENT" SHALL MEAN ANY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR VILLAGE.
   16    (I)  "LOSSES"  MEANS  DIRECT  INCURRED  LOSSES UNDER COVERED POLICIES,
   17  EXCLUDING LOSSES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ADDITIONAL LIVING EXPENSE COVERAGES AND
   18  EXCLUDING LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES.
   19    (J) "PLEDGED REVENUES" MEANS ALL OR ANY  PORTION  OF  REVENUES  TO  BE
   20  DERIVED  FROM  REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUMS OR FROM ASSESSMENTS, AS DETERMINED
   21  BY THE AUTHORITY.
   22    (K) "RETENTION" MEANS THE AMOUNT OF LOSSES BELOW WHICH AND ABOVE WHICH
   23  AN INSURER IS NOT ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE FUND. AN  INSURER'S
   24  RETENTION SHALL BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
   25    (L)  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL  CALCULATE  AND  REPORT TO EACH INSURER THE
   26  RETENTION MULTIPLES FOR THAT YEAR. FOR THE CONTRACT YEAR  BEGINNING  MAY
   27  FIRST,  TWO  THOUSAND  TEN, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE SHALL BE EQUAL TO SIX
   28  BILLION DOLLARS, DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL  ESTIMATED  REIMBURSEMENT  PREMIUM
   29  FOR  THE  CONTRACT  YEAR;  FOR  SUBSEQUENT YEARS, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE
   30  SHALL BE EQUAL TO SIX BILLION DOLLARS, ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE  PERCENT-
   31  AGE GROWTH IN PREMIUM FOR COVERED POLICIES SINCE MAY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND
   32  TEN,  DIVIDED  BY  THE  TOTAL  ESTIMATED  REIMBURSEMENT  PREMIUM FOR THE
   33  CONTRACT YEAR.  IN ADDITION, FOR THE CONTRACT YEAR BEGINNING MAY  FIRST,
   34  TWO  THOUSAND TEN, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE SHALL BE ABOVE FIFTEEN BILLION
   35  DOLLARS, DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL ESTIMATED REIMBURSEMENT  PREMIUM  FOR  THE
   36  CONTRACT YEAR; AND FOR SUBSEQUENT CONTRACT YEARS, THE RETENTION MULTIPLE
   37  SHALL BE ABOVE FIFTEEN BILLION DOLLARS, ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE PERCENT-
   38  AGE  GROWTH  IN PREMIUMS FOR COVERED POLICIES SINCE MAY FIRST, TWO THOU-
   39  SAND TEN, DIVIDED BY THE TOTAL ESTIMATED REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM  FOR  THE
   40  CONTRACT  YEAR.  PARTICIPATING  INSURERS  SHALL  RETAIN LOSSES BELOW SIX
   41  BILLION DOLLARS AND ABOVE FIFTEEN BILLION DOLLARS AS  ADJUSTED  ANNUALLY
   42  TO  REFLECT  INCREASES OR DECREASES IN THE GROWTH IN PREMIUM FOR COVERED
   43  POLICIES.  TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM FOR PURPOSES OF  THE  CALCULATION
   44  UNDER  THIS  PARAGRAPH  SHALL BE ESTIMATED USING THE ASSUMPTION THAT ALL
   45  INSURERS HAVE SELECTED A PERCENTAGE COVERAGE LEVEL  ESTABLISHED  BY  THE
   46  AUTHORITY.  SUCH  PERCENTAGE COVERAGE SHALL NOT BE SET LOWER THAN EIGHTY
   47  PERCENT NOR HIGHER THAN NINETY PERCENT.
   48    (2) THE RETENTION MULTIPLE DETERMINED  UNDER  PARAGRAPH  ONE  OF  THIS
   49  SUBSECTION  SHALL  BE  ADJUSTED TO REFLECT THE COVERAGE LEVEL ELECTED BY
   50  THE INSURER.  FOR INSURERS ELECTING THE FIRST COVERAGE LEVEL SET BY  THE
   51  AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO SUCH PARAGRAPH, THE ADJUSTED RETENTION MULTIPLE IS
   52  ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT DETERMINED UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS
   53  SUBSECTION.    FOR  INSURERS  ELECTING  THE  SECOND COVERAGE LEVEL TO BE
   54  ESTABLISHED BY THE AUTHORITY AT NOT MORE THAN EIGHTY  PERCENT  NOR  LESS
   55  THAN  SEVENTY  PERCENT,  THE  RETENTION  MULTIPLE  IS ONE HUNDRED TWENTY
   56  PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT DETERMINED UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBSECTION.
       S. 643                              4
    1  FOR INSURERS ELECTING THE THIRD COVERAGE LEVEL TO BE ESTABLISHED BY  THE
    2  AUTHORITY  AT NOT MORE THAN SEVENTY PERCENT NOR LESS THAN FIFTY PERCENT,
    3  THE ADJUSTED RETENTION MULTIPLE IS TWO HUNDRED  PERCENT  OF  THE  AMOUNT
    4  DETERMINED UNDER PARAGRAPH ONE OF THIS SUBSECTION.
    5    (3)  AN INSURER SHALL DETERMINE ITS PROVISIONAL RETENTION BY MULTIPLY-
    6  ING ITS PROVISIONAL REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM  BY  THE  APPLICABLE  ADJUSTED
    7  RETENTION  MULTIPLE,  AND SHALL DETERMINE ITS ACTUAL RETENTION BY MULTI-
    8  PLYING ITS ACTUAL  REIMBURSEMENT  PREMIUM  BY  THE  APPLICABLE  ADJUSTED
    9  RETENTION MULTIPLE.
   10    S  9202.  NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND. THERE IS HEREBY CREATED THE
   11  NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND TO BE  ADMINISTERED  BY  THE  AUTHORITY.
   12  MONEYS IN THE FUND MAY NOT BE EXPENDED, LOANED OR APPROPRIATED EXCEPT TO
   13  PAY  OBLIGATIONS OF THE AUTHORITY ARISING OUT OF REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS
   14  ENTERED INTO UNDER SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTI-
   15  CLE, PAYMENT OF DEBT SERVICE ON REVENUE BONDS ISSUED UNDER SECTION  NINE
   16  THOUSAND  TWO  HUNDRED  FIVE  OF  THIS  ARTICLE, COSTS OF THE MITIGATION
   17  PROGRAM UNDER SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED  SIX  OF  THIS  ARTICLE,
   18  COSTS  OF  PROCURING  REINSURANCE,  AND  COSTS  OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE
   19  AUTHORITY.  THE AUTHORITY SHALL INVEST THE MONEYS IN THE  FUND  PURSUANT
   20  TO APPLICABLE STATE LAWS REGULATING INVESTMENT OF STATE FUNDS. EXCEPT AS
   21  OTHERWISE  PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE, EARNINGS FROM ALL INVESTMENTS SHALL
   22  BE RETAINED IN THE FUND.   THE AUTHORITY MAY ADOPT  SUCH  RULES  AS  ARE
   23  REASONABLE  AND  NECESSARY  TO IMPLEMENT THIS ARTICLE.   SUCH RULES MUST
   24  CONFORM TO THE LEGISLATURE'S SPECIFIC INTENT  IN  ESTABLISHING  THE  NEW
   25  YORK  STATE  CATASTROPHE FUND, MUST ENHANCE THE FUND'S POTENTIAL ABILITY
   26  TO RESPOND TO CLAIMS FOR COVERED EVENTS, MUST CONTAIN GENERAL PROVISIONS
   27  SO THAT THE RULES CAN BE APPLIED WITH REASONABLE FLEXIBILITY  SO  AS  TO
   28  ACCOMMODATE  INSURERS  IN SITUATIONS OF AN UNUSUAL NATURE OR WHERE UNDUE
   29  HARDSHIP MAY RESULT, EXCEPT THAT SUCH FLEXIBILITY MAY  NOT  IN  ANY  WAY
   30  IMPAIR, OVERRIDE, SUPERSEDE OR CONSTRAIN THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF THE FUND,
   31  AND  MUST  BE  CONSISTENT WITH SOUND INSURANCE PRACTICES.  THE AUTHORITY
   32  MAY, BY RULE, PROVIDE FOR THE EXEMPTION FROM SECTIONS NINE THOUSAND  TWO
   33  HUNDRED  THREE  AND  NINE  THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE FOR
   34  INSURERS WRITING COVERED POLICIES WITH LESS THAN FOUR MILLION DOLLARS IN
   35  AGGREGATE EXPOSURE FOR COVERED POLICIES, WHICH EXPOSURE RESULTS IN A  DE
   36  MINIMIS  REIMBURSEMENT  PREMIUM,  IF  THE  EXEMPTION DOES NOT AFFECT THE
   37  ACTUARIAL SOUNDNESS OF THE FUND.
   38    S 9202-A. NEW YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY.  THERE IS  HEREBY
   39  CREATED  THE  "NEW  YORK STATE CATASTROPHE FUND AUTHORITY".  (A) (1) THE
   40  AUTHORITY SHALL BE A BODY CORPORATE AND POLITIC  CONSTITUTING  A  PUBLIC
   41  BENEFIT CORPORATION. THE AUTHORITY SHALL CONSIST OF A CHAIR AND NINETEEN
   42  OTHER  MEMBERS.  THE  CHAIR  OF  THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE
   43  GOVERNOR.  TWO OF THE NINETEEN MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED ON THE WRITTEN
   44  RECOMMENDATION OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.  TEN MEMBERS  SHALL
   45  BE  APPOINTED  BY  THE GOVERNOR OF WHICH THREE OF THOSE MEMBERS SHALL BE
   46  THE SUPERINTENDENT AND THE COMMISSIONERS OF  TAXATION  AND  FINANCE  AND
   47  TRANSPORTATION.  THE  STATE COMPTROLLER SHALL BE A MEMBER OF THIS BOARD.
   48  TWO MEMBERS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE,
   49  TWO BY THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND ONE EACH BY THE MINORITY  LEADER
   50  OF  THE  SENATE  AND THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY.  THE CHAIR AND
   51  EACH OF THE MEMBERS SHALL BE  APPOINTED  FOR  A  TERM  OF  THREE  YEARS,
   52  PROVIDED  HOWEVER, THAT THE CHAIR FIRST APPOINTED SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM
   53  ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO  THOUSAND  TWELVE,  AND  THE  EIGHTEEN  OTHER
   54  MEMBERS  FIRST  APPOINTED  SHALL SERVE FOR THE FOLLOWING TERMS: THE FOUR
   55  MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE TEMPORARY  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  SENATE  AND  THE
   56  SPEAKER  OF THE ASSEMBLY SHALL EACH SERVE FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE THIRTI-
       S. 643                              5
    1  ETH, TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN; THE TWO MEMBERS APPOINTED ON  RECOMMENDATION
    2  OF  THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK SHALL EACH SERVE FOR A TERM ENDING
    3  JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN, TWO OF THE MEMBERS  APPOINTED  BY
    4  THE  GOVERNOR  SHALL  EACH  SERVE  FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO
    5  THOUSAND FIFTEEN; TWO OF THE MEMBERS APPOINTED  BY  THE  GOVERNOR  SHALL
    6  EACH  SERVE  FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, TWO THOUSAND SIXTEEN, TWO
    7  OF THE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL EACH  SERVE  FOR  A  TERM
    8  ENDING  JUNE  THIRTIETH,  TWO THOUSAND SEVENTEEN, AND TWO OF THE MEMBERS
    9  APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL SERVE FOR A TERM ENDING JUNE  THIRTIETH,
   10  TWO THOUSAND EIGHTEEN.
   11    (2)  VACANCIES OCCURRING OTHERWISE THAN BY EXPIRATION OF TERM SHALL BE
   12  FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS FOR  THE  BALANCE  OF
   13  THE UNEXPIRED TERM.
   14    (B)  THE  CHAIR SHALL BE PAID A SALARY IN THE AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE
   15  AUTHORITY; THE OTHER MEMBERS SHALL NOT RECEIVE A SALARY OR OTHER COMPEN-
   16  SATION.  EACH  MEMBER,  INCLUDING  THE  CHAIR,  SHALL  BE  ENTITLED   TO
   17  REIMBURSEMENT FOR ACTUAL AND NECESSARY EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE PERFORM-
   18  ANCE OF HIS OR HER OFFICIAL DUTIES.
   19    (C) A MAJORITY OF THE WHOLE NUMBER OF MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY THEN IN
   20  OFFICE  SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM FOR THE TRANSACTION OF ANY BUSINESS OR
   21  THE EXERCISE OF ANY POWER OF THE AUTHORITY. EXCEPT AS  OTHERWISE  SPECI-
   22  FIED  IN  THIS ARTICLE, FOR THE TRANSACTION OF ANY BUSINESS OR THE EXER-
   23  CISE OF ANY POWER OF THE AUTHORITY, THE AUTHORITY SHALL  HAVE  POWER  TO
   24  ACT  BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MEMBERS PRESENT AT ANY MEETING AT WHICH A
   25  QUORUM IS IN ATTENDANCE AND EXCEPT FURTHER, THAT IN THE EVENT OF  A  TIE
   26  VOTE THE CHAIR SHALL CAST ONE ADDITIONAL VOTE.
   27    (D)  THE  CHAIR  SHALL BE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE AUTHORITY
   28  AND SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DISCHARGE OF THE EXECUTIVE AND ADMINIS-
   29  TRATIVE FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY. ON RECOMMENDATION OF  THE
   30  CHAIR,  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL APPOINT AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WHO SHALL BE
   31  RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF  THE
   32  AUTHORITY  AND  WHO  SHALL  NOT  BE A MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY. THE CHAIR
   33  SHALL BE EMPOWERED TO DELEGATE ANY ONE OR MORE OF HIS OR  HER  FUNCTIONS
   34  OR  POWERS  TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE CHAIR
   35  SHALL DELEGATE TO THE EXECUTIVE  DIRECTOR  SUCH  FUNCTIONS  AND  POWERS,
   36  INCLUDING,  WITHOUT  LIMITATION,  THAT  OF  APPOINTMENT,  DISCIPLINE AND
   37  REMOVAL OF OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES, AS ARE  NECESSARY  FOR  THE  EXECUTIVE
   38  DIRECTOR TO DISCHARGE HIS OR HER RESPONSIBILITIES.
   39    (E)  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL  BE  A  "STATE  AGENCY" FOR THE PURPOSES OF
   40  SECTIONS SEVENTY-THREE AND SEVENTY-FOUR OF THE PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW.
   41    (F) THE GOVERNOR MAY REMOVE ANY MEMBER OF THE  AUTHORITY  FOR  INEFFI-
   42  CIENCY,  NEGLECT OF DUTY OR MISCONDUCT IN OFFICE AFTER GIVING HIM OR HER
   43  A COPY OF THE CHARGES AGAINST HIM OR HER AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD,
   44  IN PERSON OR BY COUNSEL IN HIS OR HER DEFENSE, UPON NOT  LESS  THAN  TEN
   45  DAYS' NOTICE. IF ANY MEMBER SHALL BE SO REMOVED, THE GOVERNOR SHALL FILE
   46  IN THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF CHARGES
   47  MADE AGAINST SUCH MEMBER, AND HIS OR HER FINDINGS THEREON, TOGETHER WITH
   48  A COMPLETE RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
   49    S 9202-B. GENERAL POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE LIMITED
   50  BY THIS ARTICLE, THE AUTHORITY SHALL HAVE THE POWER:
   51    (A) TO SUE AND BE SUED;
   52    (B) TO HAVE A SEAL AND ALTER THE SAME AT PLEASURE;
   53    (C)  TO  BORROW MONEY AND ISSUE NEGOTIABLE NOTES, BONDS OR OTHER OBLI-
   54  GATIONS AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE HOLDERS THEREOF;
   55    (D) TO INVEST ANY FUNDS HELD IN  RESERVE  OR  SINKING  FUNDS,  OR  ANY
   56  MONIES NOT REQUIRED FOR IMMEDIATE USE OR DISBURSEMENT, AT THE DISCRETION
       S. 643                              6
    1  OF  THE  AUTHORITY, IN (1) OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE OR THE UNITED STATES
    2  GOVERNMENT, (2) REASONABLY PRUDENT CATASTROPHE  NOTES,  BONDS,  OPTIONS,
    3  SWAPS  AND  RISK FUTURES OR OTHER PRUDENT FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS TO MAXI-
    4  MIZE  THE  FINANCIAL CAPACITY OF THE FUND, (3) OBLIGATIONS THE PRINCIPAL
    5  AND INTEREST OF WHICH ARE GUARANTEED BY THE STATE OR THE  UNITED  STATES
    6  GOVERNMENT,  (4)  CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT OF BANKS OR TRUST COMPANIES IN
    7  THIS STATE, SECURED, IF THE AUTHORITY SHALL SO REQUIRE,  BY  OBLIGATIONS
    8  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OR  OF THE STATE OF A MARKET VALUE EQUAL AT ALL
    9  TIMES TO THE AMOUNT OF THE DEPOSIT, AND (5) AS TO THE SAID  RESERVE  AND
   10  SINKING  FUNDS, OTHER SECURITIES IN WHICH THE TRUSTEE OR TRUSTEES OF ANY
   11  PUBLIC RETIREMENT SYSTEM OR PENSION FUND HAS THE  POWER  TO  INVEST  THE
   12  MONEYS  THEREOF  PURSUANT TO ARTICLE FOUR-A OF THE RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL
   13  SECURITY LAW, EACH SUCH RESERVE AND SINKING  FUND  BEING  TREATED  AS  A
   14  SEPARATE FUND FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE FOUR-A OF SUCH LAW;
   15    (E)  TO  MAKE  AND  ALTER  BY-LAWS  FOR  ITS ORGANIZATION AND INTERNAL
   16  MANAGEMENT, AND RULES AND REGULATIONS  GOVERNING  THE  EXERCISE  OF  ITS
   17  POWERS AND THE FULFILLMENT OF ITS PURPOSES UNDER THIS ARTICLE;
   18    (F)  TO  ENTER  INTO CONTRACTS AND LEASES AND TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY
   19  INSTRUMENTS;
   20    (G) TO ACQUIRE, HOLD AND DISPOSE OF REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY  IN  THE
   21  EXERCISE OF ITS POWERS;
   22    (H)  TO  APPOINT SUCH OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES AS IT MAY REQUIRE FOR THE
   23  PERFORMANCE OF ITS DUTIES, AND TO FIX  AND  DETERMINE  THEIR  QUALIFICA-
   24  TIONS,  DUTIES,  AND COMPENSATION AND TO RETAIN OR EMPLOY COUNSEL, AUDI-
   25  TORS, ENGINEERS AND PRIVATE CONSULTANTS ON A CONTRACT BASIS OR OTHERWISE
   26  FOR RENDERING PROFESSIONAL OR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ADVICE;
   27    (I) TO BE A "PARTICIPATING EMPLOYER" IN THE NEW YORK STATE  AND  LOCAL
   28  EMPLOYEES'  RETIREMENT  SYSTEM  WITH  RESPECT  TO ONE OR MORE CLASSES OF
   29  OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF SUCH AUTHORITY, AS MAY BE PROVIDED  BY  RESOL-
   30  UTION OF SUCH AUTHORITY, OR ANY SUBSEQUENT AMENDMENT THEREOF, FILED WITH
   31  THE  COMPTROLLER  AND  ACCEPTED  BY  HIM  OR  HER  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION
   32  THIRTY-ONE OF THE RETIREMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY LAW; AND
   33    (J) TO DO ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT ITS PURPOSES AND  FOR  THE
   34  EXERCISE OF THE POWERS GRANTED IN THIS ARTICLE.
   35    S 9203. REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS.  (A) THE AUTHORITY SHALL ENTER INTO A
   36  CONTRACT  WITH  EACH  INSURER  WRITING COVERED POLICIES IN THIS STATE TO
   37  PROVIDE TO THE INSURER THE REIMBURSEMENT DESCRIBED IN SUBSECTION (B)  OF
   38  THIS SECTION, IN EXCHANGE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM PAID TO THE FUND
   39  UNDER  SECTION  NINE  THOUSAND  TWO  HUNDRED  FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE. AS A
   40  CONDITION OF DOING BUSINESS IN THIS STATE, EACH SUCH INSURER SHALL ENTER
   41  INTO SUCH A CONTRACT.
   42    (B) (1) THE CONTRACT SHALL CONTAIN A PROMISE BY THE AUTHORITY TO REIM-
   43  BURSE THE INSURER FOR THE FIRST, SECOND  OR  THIRD  PERCENTAGE  COVERAGE
   44  LEVEL  FOR ITS LOSSES FROM EACH COVERED EVENT IN EXCESS OF THE INSURER'S
   45  RETENTION, PLUS FIVE PERCENT OF THE  REIMBURSED  LOSSES  TO  COVER  LOSS
   46  ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES.
   47    (2)  THE INSURER MUST ELECT ONE OF THE THREE COVERAGE LEVELS SPECIFIED
   48  IN THIS SUBSECTION AND MAY, UPON RENEWAL OF A REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT:
   49    (A) ELECT A LOWER PERCENTAGE COVERAGE LEVEL IF NO REVENUE BONDS ISSUED
   50  UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIVE  OF  THIS
   51  ARTICLE AFTER A COVERED EVENT ARE OUTSTANDING; OR
   52    (B) ELECT A HIGHER PERCENTAGE COVERAGE LEVEL.
   53    (3)  ALL  MEMBERS  OF  AN  INSURER  GROUP MUST ELECT THE SAME COVERAGE
   54  LEVEL.  THE NEW YORK PROPERTY INSURANCE  UNDERWRITING  ASSOCIATION  MUST
   55  ELECT THE FIRST PERCENTAGE COVERAGE LEVEL.
       S. 643                              7
    1    (4) THE CONTRACT SHALL PROVIDE THAT REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS SHALL NOT BE
    2  REDUCED  BY REINSURANCE PAID OR PAYABLE TO THE INSURER FROM OTHER SOURC-
    3  ES; HOWEVER, RECOVERIES FROM SUCH OTHER  SOURCES,  TAKEN  TOGETHER  WITH
    4  REIMBURSEMENTS  UNDER THE CONTRACT, SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
    5  OF  THE  INSURER'S  LOSSES  FROM  COVERED EVENTS. IF SUCH RECOVERIES AND
    6  REIMBURSEMENTS EXCEED ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE INSURER'S  LOSSES  FROM
    7  COVERED EVENTS, AND IF THERE IS NO AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE INSURER AND THE
    8  REINSURER  TO  THE CONTRARY, ANY AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF ONE HUNDRED PERCENT
    9  OF THE INSURER'S LOSSES SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE FUND.
   10    (C) THE CONTRACT SHALL ALSO PROVIDE THAT THE OBLIGATION OF THE AUTHOR-
   11  ITY WITH RESPECT TO ALL CONTRACTS COVERING A PARTICULAR YEAR  SHALL  NOT
   12  EXCEED  THE  BALANCE  OF  THE  FUND  AS  OF DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST OF THE
   13  PARTICULAR YEAR, TOGETHER WITH THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT THAT THE AUTHORITY  IS
   14  ABLE  TO  RAISE THROUGH THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS UNDER SECTION NINE
   15  THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FIVE OF THIS ARTICLE. THE  CONTRACT  SHALL  REQUIRE
   16  THE  AUTHORITY  TO  ANNUALLY  NOTIFY  INSURERS OF THE FUND'S ANTICIPATED
   17  BORROWING CAPACITY AT YEAR END, THE PROJECTED YEAR END  BALANCE  OF  THE
   18  FUND,  AND  THE INSURER'S ESTIMATED SHARE OF TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM
   19  TO BE PAID TO THE FUND FOR THE CONTRACT YEAR.   FOR ALL  REGULATORY  AND
   20  REINSURANCE PURPOSES, AN INSURER MAY CALCULATE ITS PROJECTED PAYOUT FROM
   21  THE FUND AS ITS SHARE OF THE TOTAL FUND PREMIUM FOR THE CURRENT CONTRACT
   22  YEAR  MULTIPLIED BY THE SUM OF PROJECTED YEAR-END FUND BALANCE AND BOND-
   23  ING CAPACITY AS REPORTED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION. IN MAY  AND  OCTOBER  OF
   24  EACH YEAR, THE AUTHORITY SHALL PUBLISH IN THE STATE REGISTER A STATEMENT
   25  OF  THE FUND'S ANTICIPATED BORROWING CAPACITY AND THE PROJECTED YEAR-END
   26  BALANCE OF THE FUND FOR THE CURRENT CONTRACT YEAR.
   27    (D) (1) THE CONTRACT SHALL  REQUIRE  THE  INSURER  TO  REPORT  TO  THE
   28  AUTHORITY,  AS  DIRECTED,  NO  LATER  THAN DECEMBER THIRTY-FIRST OF EACH
   29  YEAR, AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER, THE INSURER'S LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS
   30  FOR THE YEAR. THE CONTRACT SHALL REQUIRE THE AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE  AND
   31  PAY,  AS  SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER RECEIVING THESE REPORTS, THE INITIAL
   32  AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT DUE ON A PAID  BASIS  AND  ADJUSTMENTS  TO  THIS
   33  AMOUNT BASED ON LATER LOSS INFORMATION. THE ADJUSTMENTS TO REIMBURSEMENT
   34  AMOUNTS  SHALL  REQUIRE  THE AUTHORITY TO PAY, OR THE INSURER TO RETURN,
   35  AMOUNTS REFLECTING THE MOST RECENT CALCULATION OF LOSSES.
   36    (2) IF THE AUTHORITY DETERMINES THAT THE PROJECTED YEAR-END BALANCE OF
   37  THE FUND, TOGETHER WITH THE AMOUNT THAT THE AUTHORITY DETERMINES THAT IT
   38  IS POSSIBLE TO RAISE THROUGH REVENUE BONDS  ISSUED  UNDER  SECTION  NINE
   39  THOUSAND  TWO  HUNDRED  FIVE  OF  THIS  ARTICLE, ARE INSUFFICIENT TO PAY
   40  REIMBURSEMENT TO ALL INSURERS AT THE LEVEL PROMISED IN THE CONTRACT, THE
   41  AUTHORITY SHALL:
   42    (A) PAY TO EACH INSURER THE AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT IT IS OWED, UP  TO
   43  AN  AMOUNT  EQUAL  TO THE INSURER'S SHARE OF THE ACTUAL PREMIUM PAID FOR
   44  THAT CONTRACT YEAR, MULTIPLIED  BY  THE  ACTUAL  CLAIMS-PAYING  CAPACITY
   45  AVAILABLE FOR THAT CONTRACT YEAR.
   46    (B)  THEREAFTER, ESTABLISH, BASED ON REIMBURSABLE LOSSES, THE PRORATED
   47  REIMBURSEMENT LEVEL AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL FOR WHICH  ANY  REMAINING  FUND
   48  BALANCE OR BOND PROCEEDS ARE SUFFICIENT.
   49    (E)  THE CONTRACT SHALL PROVIDE THAT IF AN INSURER DEMONSTRATES TO THE
   50  AUTHORITY THAT IT IS LIKELY  TO  QUALIFY  FOR  REIMBURSEMENT  UNDER  THE
   51  CONTRACT,  AND  DEMONSTRATES TO THE AUTHORITY THAT THE IMMEDIATE RECEIPT
   52  OF MONEYS IS LIKELY TO PREVENT THE INSURER FROM BECOMING INSOLVENT,  THE
   53  AUTHORITY  SHALL  ADVANCE  TO THE INSURER, AT MARKET INTEREST RATES, THE
   54  AMOUNTS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE SOLVENCY OF THE INSURER, UP  TO  FIFTY
   55  PERCENT  OF THE AUTHORITY'S ESTIMATE OF THE REIMBURSEMENT DUE THE INSUR-
       S. 643                              8
    1  ER. THE INSURER'S REIMBURSEMENT SHALL BE REDUCED BY AN AMOUNT  EQUAL  TO
    2  THE AMOUNT OF THE ADVANCE AND INTEREST THEREON.
    3    (F)  THE CONTRACT SHALL PROVIDE THAT IN THE EVENT OF THE INSOLVENCY OF
    4  AN INSURER, THE FUND SHALL PAY DIRECTLY TO THE PROPERTY/CASUALTY  INSUR-
    5  ANCE  SECURITY  FUND  PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED
    6  ONE OF THIS CHAPTER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE  INSURER'S  POLICYHOLDERS  IN
    7  THIS  STATE  THE NET AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT MONEYS OWED TO THE INSURER.
    8  AS USED IN THIS SUBSECTION, THE "NET AMOUNT OF ALL REIMBURSEMENT MONEYS"
    9  MEANS THAT AMOUNT WHICH REMAINS AFTER REIMBURSEMENT FOR  PRELIMINARY  OR
   10  DUPLICATE  PAYMENTS OWED TO PRIVATE REINSURERS OR OTHER INURING REINSUR-
   11  ANCE PAYMENTS TO PRIVATE REINSURERS THAT SATISFY STATUTORY OR CONTRACTU-
   12  AL OBLIGATIONS OF THE INSOLVENT INSURER ATTRIBUTABLE TO  COVERED  EVENTS
   13  TO  SUCH  REINSURERS.  SUCH  PRIVATE  REINSURERS  SHALL BE REIMBURSED OR
   14  OTHERWISE PAID PRIOR TO PAYMENT TO THE PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE SECU-
   15  RITY FUND PROVIDED FOR IN SECTION SEVEN THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED ONE OF THIS
   16  CHAPTER, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW TO THE CONTRARY. THE
   17  GUARANTY ASSOCIATION SHALL PAY ALL  CLAIMS  UP  TO  THE  MAXIMUM  AMOUNT
   18  PERMITTED  BY  ARTICLE  SEVENTY-SIX  OF  THIS  CHAPTER;  THEREAFTER, ANY
   19  REMAINING MONEYS SHALL BE PAID PRO RATA TO CLAIMS NOT FULLY SATISFIED.
   20    (G) THE AUTHORITY SHALL AFTER  CONSULTATION  WITH  THE  SUPERINTENDENT
   21  ADOPT  THE INITIAL CONTRACT FORM NO LATER THAN DECEMBER FIRST, TWO THOU-
   22  SAND NINE AND MUST ADOPT THE INITIAL PREMIUM FORMULA NO LATER THAN JANU-
   23  ARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TEN.  INITIAL REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS UNDER THIS
   24  ARTICLE MUST BE ENTERED INTO NO EARLIER THAN FEBRUARY FIRST,  TWO  THOU-
   25  SAND TEN AND NO LATER THAN MAY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND TEN.
   26    S  9204. REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUMS. (A) EACH REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACT SHALL
   27  REQUIRE THE INSURER TO ANNUALLY PAY TO THE FUND AN ACTUARIALLY INDICATED
   28  PREMIUM FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT PROMISED.
   29    (B) THE AUTHORITY, IN  CONSULTATION  WITH  THE  SUPERINTENDENT,  SHALL
   30  SELECT  AN  INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP A FORMULA TO DETERMINE THE
   31  ACTUARIALLY INDICATED PREMIUM TO BE PAID TO THE FUND.  THE FORMULA SHALL
   32  SPECIFY, FOR EACH ZIP CODE  OR  OTHER  LIMITED  GEOGRAPHICAL  AREA,  THE
   33  AMOUNT TO BE PAID BY AN INSURER FOR EACH ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OF INSURED
   34  VALUE  UNDER  COVERED POLICIES IN THAT ZIP CODE OR OTHER AREA. IN ESTAB-
   35  LISHING PREMIUMS, THE AUTHORITY, IN CONSULTATION  WITH  THE  SUPERINTEN-
   36  DENT,  SHALL CONSIDER THE COVERAGE LEVEL ELECTED UNDER SUBSECTION (B) OF
   37  SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED THREE OF THIS ARTICLE AND ANY  FACTORS
   38  THAT  TEND TO ENHANCE THE ACTUARIAL SOPHISTICATION OF RATEMAKING FOR THE
   39  FUND, INCLUDING DEDUCTIBLES, TYPE  OF  CONSTRUCTION,  TYPE  OF  COVERAGE
   40  PROVIDED, RELATIVE CONCENTRATION OF RISKS, AND OTHER SUCH FACTORS DEEMED
   41  TO BE APPROPRIATE.  THE FORMULA MAY PROVIDE FOR A PROCEDURE TO DETERMINE
   42  THE PREMIUMS TO BE PAID BY NEW INSURERS THAT BEGIN WRITING COVERED POLI-
   43  CIES  AFTER  THE BEGINNING OF A CONTRACT YEAR, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION
   44  WHEN THE INSURER STARTS WRITING COVERED POLICIES, THE POTENTIAL EXPOSURE
   45  OF THE INSURER, THE POTENTIAL EXPOSURE OF THE FUND,  THE  ADMINISTRATIVE
   46  COSTS  TO  THE  INSURER  AND  TO  THE FUND, AND ANY OTHER FACTORS DEEMED
   47  APPROPRIATE.  THE AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE  SUPERINTENDENT
   48  MAY,  AT ANY TIME, REVISE THE FORMULA PURSUANT TO THE PROCEDURE PROVIDED
   49  IN THIS SUBSECTION.
   50    (C) NO LATER THAN AUGUST FIRST OF EACH YEAR, EACH INSURER SHALL NOTIFY
   51  THE AUTHORITY AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ITS INSURED VALUES UNDER COVERED
   52  POLICIES BY ZIP CODE OR OTHER LIMITED GEOGRAPHICAL AREA, AS OF MAY THIR-
   53  TIETH OF THAT YEAR. ON THE BASIS OF THESE  REPORTS,  THE  AUTHORITY,  IN
   54  CONSULTATION  WITH  THE  SUPERINTENDENT, SHALL CALCULATE THE PREMIUM DUE
   55  FROM THE INSURER, BASED ON THE FORMULA ADOPTED UNDER SUBSECTION  (B)  OF
   56  THIS SECTION. THE INSURER SHALL PAY THE REQUIRED ANNUAL PREMIUM PURSUANT
       S. 643                              9
    1  TO  A  PERIODIC  PAYMENT  PLAN  SPECIFIED IN THE CONTRACT. THE AUTHORITY
    2  SHALL PROVIDE FOR PAYMENT OF REIMBURSEMENT PREMIUM IN PERIODIC  INSTALL-
    3  MENTS  AND  FOR  THE  ADJUSTMENT  OF  PROVISIONAL  PREMIUM  INSTALLMENTS
    4  COLLECTED  PRIOR TO SUBMISSION OF THE EXPOSURE REPORT TO REFLECT DATA IN
    5  THE EXPOSURE REPORT.
    6    (D) ALL PREMIUMS PAID TO THE FUND UNDER REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS  SHALL
    7  BE  TREATED  AS  PREMIUM FOR APPROVED REINSURANCE FOR ALL ACCOUNTING AND
    8  REGULATORY PURPOSES.
    9    (E) IN ORDER TO PROVIDE START-UP MONEYS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF  THE
   10  FUND,  EACH  INSURER  SUBJECT  TO  THIS SECTION SHALL PAY TO THE FUND AN
   11  ADVANCE PREMIUM PAYMENT OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS NO LATER  THAN  NOVEMBER
   12  THIRTIETH,  TWO  THOUSAND  NINE. THE AUTHORITY SHALL COLLECT THE ADVANCE
   13  PREMIUM PAYMENTS REQUIRED BY THIS SUBSECTION.  THE INSURER SHALL RECEIVE
   14  A CREDIT AGAINST FUTURE PREMIUMS FOR THE ADVANCE PAYMENT.
   15    S 9205. REVENUE BONDS.  (A) UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF A COVERED EVENT AND
   16  A DETERMINATION THAT THE MONEYS IN THE FUND ARE OR WILL BE  INSUFFICIENT
   17  TO  PAY  REIMBURSEMENT  AT  THE  LEVELS  PROMISED  IN  THE REIMBURSEMENT
   18  CONTRACTS, THE AUTHORITY MAY ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS  WITH  LOCAL  GOVERN-
   19  MENTS  FOR  THE ISSUANCE OF REVENUE BONDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FUND OR
   20  ISSUE REVENUE BONDS IN THE AUTHORITY'S OWN RIGHT. THE TERM OF THE  BONDS
   21  SHALL  NOT  EXCEED  THIRTY  YEARS. THE AUTHORITY SHALL PLEDGE ALL FUTURE
   22  REVENUES UNDER SECTION NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR  OF  THIS  ARTICLE
   23  AND  UNDER  SUBSECTION  (C) OF THIS SECTION, OR A LESSER PORTION OF SUCH
   24  REVENUES  SUFFICIENT  TO  RAISE  MONEYS  IN  AN  AMOUNT  THAT  WILL  PAY
   25  REIMBURSEMENT  AT THE LEVELS PROMISED IN THE REIMBURSEMENT CONTRACTS, TO
   26  THE RETIREMENT OF SUCH BONDS. THE AUTHORITY MAY  ALSO  ENTER  INTO  SUCH
   27  AGREEMENTS  IN  THE ABSENCE OF A COVERED EVENT UPON A DETERMINATION THAT
   28  SUCH ACTION WOULD MAXIMIZE THE ABILITY OF THE FUND TO MEET FUTURE  OBLI-
   29  GATIONS.
   30    (B)  ANY  LOCAL  GOVERNMENT MAY ISSUE BONDS PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE
   31  PROVISIONS OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW FROM TIME TO TIME TO FUND AN ASSIST-
   32  ANCE PROGRAM, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FUND, FOR THE PURPOSE  OF  MEETING
   33  THE REIMBURSEMENT OBLIGATIONS OF THE FUND. THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS IS
   34  FOR THE PUBLIC PURPOSE OF ENSURING THAT POLICYHOLDERS LOCATED WITHIN THE
   35  LOCAL  GOVERNMENT  ARE  ABLE TO RECOVER UNDER RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
   36  PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE POLICIES  AFTER  A  COVERED  EVENT.  REVENUE
   37  BONDS  SHALL  NOT  BE  ISSUED UNTIL VALIDATED PURSUANT TO THE APPLICABLE
   38  PROVISIONS OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW. THE LOCAL  GOVERNMENT  SHALL  ENTER
   39  INTO  SUCH  CONTRACTS  WITH  THE  FUND AS ARE NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE
   40  PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.  ANY BONDS ISSUED UNDER THIS  SECTION  SHALL
   41  BE PAYABLE FROM AND SECURED BY MONEYS RECEIVED BY THE FUND UNDER SECTION
   42  NINE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE, AND ASSIGNED AND PLEDGED
   43  TO  OR  ON BEHALF OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS
   44  OF SUCH BONDS.  THE FUNDS, CREDIT, PROPERTY, AND  TAXING  POWER  OF  THE
   45  STATE OR OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHALL NOT BE PLEDGED FOR THE PAYMENT OF
   46  SUCH BONDS.
   47    (C)  IF  THE  AUTHORITY,  AFTER  CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT,
   48  DETERMINES THAT THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE PRODUCED UNDER SUBSECTION  (A)  OF
   49  THIS  SECTION  IS  INSUFFICIENT  TO  FUND  THE  OBLIGATIONS,  COSTS, AND
   50  EXPENSES OF THE FUND, INCLUDING REPAYMENT OF REVENUE BONDS, THE AUTHORI-
   51  TY MAY LEVY AN EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT ON EACH INSURER WRITING PROPERTY AND
   52  CASUALTY BUSINESS IN THIS STATE OR A PORTION OF THIS STATE FOR  RESIDEN-
   53  TIAL  AND  COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES.  PURSUANT TO THE EMERGENCY ASSESSMENT,
   54  EACH SUCH INSURER SHALL PAY TO THE FUND BY JULY FIRST OF  EACH  YEAR  AN
   55  AMOUNT  SET  BY  THE  AUTHORITY  NOT  EXCEEDING TWO PERCENT OF ITS GROSS
   56  DIRECT WRITTEN PREMIUM FOR THE PRIOR YEAR FROM ALL PROPERTY AND CASUALTY
       S. 643                             10
    1  BUSINESS IN THIS STATE OR FOR A DESIGNATED REGION OF THIS  STATE  EXCEPT
    2  FOR  WORKERS'  COMPENSATION, EXCEPT THAT, IF THE GOVERNOR HAS DECLARED A
    3  STATE OF EMERGENCY UNDER THIS ARTICLE DUE TO THE OCCURRENCE OF A COVERED
    4  EVENT,  THE  AMOUNT  OF THE ASSESSMENT MAY BE INCREASED TO AN AMOUNT NOT
    5  EXCEEDING FOUR PERCENT OF SUCH  PREMIUM  PER  COVERED  EVENT.  UNDER  NO
    6  CIRCUMSTANCE  SHALL THE AGGREGATE ASSESSMENT FOR MORE THAN THREE COVERED
    7  EVENTS IN ONE  YEAR  BE  MORE  THAN  TEN  PERCENT.    AS  USED  IN  THIS
    8  SUBSECTION, THE TERM "PROPERTY AND CASUALTY BUSINESS" INCLUDES ALL LINES
    9  OF  BUSINESS  IDENTIFIED  ON THE FORM PROVIDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, IN
   10  THE ANNUAL STATEMENT REQUIRED BY THIS  ARTICLE  AND  ANY  RULES  ADOPTED
   11  UNDER  THIS ARTICLE.  THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL
   12  CONTINUE AS LONG AS THE REVENUE BONDS ISSUED WITH RESPECT TO  WHICH  THE
   13  ASSESSMENT  WAS  IMPOSED  ARE OUTSTANDING, UNLESS ADEQUATE PROVISION HAS
   14  BEEN MADE FOR THE PAYMENT  OF  SUCH  BONDS  PURSUANT  TO  THE  DOCUMENTS
   15  AUTHORIZING  ISSUANCE  OF THE BONDS. AN INSURER SHALL NOT AT ANY TIME BE
   16  SUBJECT TO AGGREGATE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS UNDER THIS  SUBSECTION  OF  MORE
   17  THAN TWO PERCENT OF PREMIUM, EXCEPT THAT IN THE CASE OF A DECLARED EMER-
   18  GENCY,  AN  INSURER SHALL NOT AT ANY TIME BE SUBJECT TO AGGREGATE ANNUAL
   19  ASSESSMENTS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION OF MORE  THAN  FOUR  PERCENT  FOR  ONE
   20  COVERED  EVENT,  NOR  MORE THAN TEN PERCENT OF PREMIUM FOR THREE OR MORE
   21  COVERED EVENTS THAT OCCUR IN ONE YEAR.  ANY RATE FILING OR PORTION OF  A
   22  RATE  FILING  REFLECTING  A  RATE  CHANGE  ATTRIBUTABLE  ENTIRELY TO THE
   23  ASSESSMENT LEVIED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL BE  DEEMED  APPROVED  WHEN
   24  MADE,  SUBJECT  TO  THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO REQUIRE ACTUARIAL
   25  JUSTIFICATION AS TO THE ADEQUACY OF ANY RATE AT ANY TIME.  IF  THE  RATE
   26  FILING  REFLECTS ONLY A RATE CHANGE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE ASSESSMENT UNDER
   27  THIS SUBSECTION, THE FILING MAY CONSIST OF A CERTIFICATION SO STATING.
   28    S 9206. ADDITIONAL POWERS AND DUTIES. (A) THE AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSUL-
   29  TATION  WITH  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  MAY  PROCURE:  (1)  REINSURANCE  FROM
   30  REINSURERS  FOR  THE PURPOSE OF MAXIMIZING THE CAPACITY OF THE FUND, AND
   31  (2) CATASTROPHE NOTES, BONDS, OPTIONS,  SWAPS,  RISK  FUTURES  OR  OTHER
   32  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS TO MAXIMIZE THE CAPACITY OF THE FUND.
   33    (B)  IN  ADDITION  TO  BORROWING UNDER THIS ARTICLE, THE AUTHORITY MAY
   34  ALSO BORROW FROM, OR ENTER INTO OTHER FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS  WITH,  ANY
   35  MARKET SOURCES AT PREVAILING INTEREST RATES.
   36    (C)  THE  AUTHORITY, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT, SHALL
   37  DEVELOP NEW FINANCING MECHANISMS OR INSTRUMENTS TO MAXIMIZE THE CAPACITY
   38  OF THE FUND. SUCH  MECHANISMS  OR  INSTRUMENTS  SHOULD  ATTRACT  PRIVATE
   39  INVESTMENT  FROM INSURERS AND REINSURERS THAT WISH TO FULLY OR PARTIALLY
   40  SHELTER THEIR CAPITAL FROM INCOME TAXATION AND INCREASE THE  ABILITY  OF
   41  INSURERS,  BANKS,  REINSURERS  AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO PLACE
   42  CAPITAL WITH THE FUND AND RECEIVE COMMENSURATE FEDERAL AND STATE  INCOME
   43  AND FRANCHISE TAX DEDUCTIONS, CREDITS OR DEFERRALS FOR ITS CONTRIBUTORS.
   44    (D)  IN EACH FISCAL YEAR AFTER APRIL FIRST, TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN, THE
   45  AUTHORITY SHALL APPROPRIATE FROM THE INVESTMENT INCOME OF THE  FUND  THE
   46  SUM  OF  TEN  MILLION  DOLLARS  FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDING FOR
   47  STATE AGENCIES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, OTHER MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS,  PUBLIC
   48  AND  PRIVATE  EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS,  AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS TO
   49  SUPPORT PROGRAMS INTENDED  TO  IMPROVE  NATURAL  DISASTER  PREPAREDNESS,
   50  REDUCE POTENTIAL LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS, PROVIDE RESEARCH INTO MEANS
   51  TO  REDUCE  SUCH  LOSSES,  EDUCATE  OR  INFORM THE PUBLIC AS TO MEANS TO
   52  REDUCE LOSSES FROM COVERED EVENTS, ASSIST THE PUBLIC IN DETERMINING  THE
   53  APPROPRIATENESS OF PARTICULAR UPGRADES TO STRUCTURES OR IN THE FINANCING
   54  OF  SUCH  UPGRADES, INCREASE COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES AMONG LOCAL LAW
   55  ENFORCEMENT, STATE MILITIA, THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES, FIRST
   56  RESPONDERS, INSURANCE CARRIERS AND ADJUSTERS AND COMMON CARRIERS SO THAT
       S. 643                             11
    1  SUCH INDIVIDUALS CAN EASILY COMMUNICATE  WITHIN  EACH  ORGANIZATION  AND
    2  WITH  OTHER  ORGANIZATIONS  DURING  AND  IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING A COVERED
    3  EVENT, OR PROTECT LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE  FROM  POTENTIAL  DAMAGE  FROM  A
    4  COVERED EVENT.  IN ADDITION, SUCH MONIES MAY BE USED TO INCREASE PARTIC-
    5  IPATING  INSURER  ABILITY TO SHARE AND RAPIDLY SHIFT CLAIMS ADJUSTERS TO
    6  NATURAL DISASTER RAVAGED AREAS SO THAT ACCURATE CLAIMS LOSS  INFORMATION
    7  CAN BE GATHERED AND INDIVIDUAL LOSS CLAIMS PROCESSED AND PAID AS SOON AS
    8  PRACTICABLE.    MONEYS  SHALL FIRST BE AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION UNDER
    9  THIS SUBSECTION IN FISCAL YEAR TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN.  THE MONEYS SPECI-
   10  FIED IN THIS SUBSECTION SHALL NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR  APPROPRIATION  UNDER
   11  THIS  SUBSECTION IF THE AUTHORITY FINDS THAT AN APPROPRIATION OF INVEST-
   12  MENT INCOME FROM THE FUND WOULD JEOPARDIZE THE  ACTUARIAL  SOUNDNESS  OF
   13  THE FUND.
   14    (E) THE AUTHORITY MAY ALLOW INSURERS TO COMPLY WITH REPORTING REQUIRE-
   15  MENTS  AND  REPORTING  FORMAT  REQUIREMENTS USING ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF
   16  REPORTING IF THE PROPER  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  FUND  IS  NOT  THEREBY
   17  IMPAIRED AND IF THE ALTERNATIVE METHODS PRODUCE DATA WHICH IS CONSISTENT
   18  FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE.
   19    (F)  IN  ORDER  TO  ASSURE  THE  EQUITABLE  OPERATION OF THE FUND, THE
   20  AUTHORITY MAY IMPOSE A REASONABLE FEE ON AN  INSURER  TO  RECOVER  COSTS
   21  INVOLVED  IN  REPROCESSING  INACCURATE, INCOMPLETE, OR UNTIMELY EXPOSURE
   22  DATA SUBMITTED BY THE INSURER.
   23    S 9206-A. NOTES AND BONDS OF THE  AUTHORITY.  (A)  (1)  THE  AUTHORITY
   24  SHALL HAVE POWER AND IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED FROM TIME TO TIME TO ISSUE ITS
   25  NEGOTIABLE  BONDS  AND NOTES IN SUCH PRINCIPAL AMOUNT AS, IN THE OPINION
   26  OF THE AUTHORITY, SHALL BE NECESSARY TO  PROVIDE  SUFFICIENT  FUNDS  FOR
   27  ACHIEVING  ITS  PURPOSES, INCLUDING THE PAYMENT OF INTEREST ON BONDS AND
   28  NOTES OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RESERVES TO SECURE  SUCH
   29  BONDS AND NOTES.
   30    (2)  THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL  HAVE  POWER,  FROM  TIME TO TIME, TO ISSUE
   31  RENEWAL NOTES, TO ISSUE BONDS TO PAY NOTES AND WHENEVER IT DEEMS REFUND-
   32  ING EXPEDIENT, TO REFUND ANY BONDS BY THE ISSUANCE OF NEW BONDS, WHETHER
   33  THE BONDS TO BE REFUNDED HAVE OR HAVE NOT MATURED, AND  TO  ISSUE  BONDS
   34  PARTLY  TO  REFUND  BONDS  THEN  OUTSTANDING  AND  PARTLY  FOR ANY OTHER
   35  PURPOSE. THE REFUNDING BONDS SHALL BE SOLD AND THE PROCEEDS  APPLIED  TO
   36  THE PURCHASE, REDEMPTION OR PAYMENT OF THE BONDS TO BE REFUNDED.
   37    (3)  EXCEPT  AS  MAY OTHERWISE BE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHORITY,
   38  EVERY ISSUE OF ITS NOTES OR BONDS SHALL BE GENERAL  OBLIGATIONS  OF  THE
   39  AUTHORITY  PAYABLE  OUT  OF  ANY  REVENUES  OR  MONEYS OF THE AUTHORITY,
   40  SUBJECT ONLY TO ANY AGREEMENTS WITH THE HOLDERS OF PARTICULAR  NOTES  OR
   41  BONDS PLEDGING ANY PARTICULAR RECEIPTS OR REVENUES.
   42    (B)  THE NOTES AND BONDS SHALL BE AUTHORIZED BY RESOLUTION APPROVED BY
   43  NOT LESS THAN A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY VOTE OF THE WHOLE NUMBER OF  MEMBERS
   44  OF  THE AUTHORITY THEN IN OFFICE, EXCEPT THAT IN THE EVENT OF A TIE VOTE
   45  THE CHAIR SHALL CAST ONE ADDITIONAL VOTE.   THE NOTES  AND  BONDS  SHALL
   46  BEAR  INTEREST  AT  SUCH  RATE OR RATES, BE IN SUCH DENOMINATIONS, BE IN
   47  SUCH FORM, EITHER COUPON OR REGISTERED, CARRY SUCH  REGISTRATION  PRIVI-
   48  LEGES, BE EXECUTED IN SUCH MANNER, BE PAYABLE IN SUCH MEDIUM OF PAYMENT,
   49  AT  SUCH  PLACE  OR PLACES AND BE SUBJECT TO SUCH TERMS OF REDEMPTION AS
   50  SUCH RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS MAY PROVIDE. THE NOTES AND BONDS  OF  THE
   51  AUTHORITY  MAY  BE  SOLD BY THE AUTHORITY, AT PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SALE, AT
   52  SUCH PRICE OR PRICES AS THE AUTHORITY SHALL DETERMINE. NO NOTES OR BONDS
   53  OF THE AUTHORITY SHALL BE SOLD BY THE AUTHORITY AT PRIVATE SALE,  HOWEV-
   54  ER, UNLESS SUCH SALE AND THE TERMS THEREOF HAVE BEEN APPROVED IN WRITING
   55  BY  (1)  THE  COMPTROLLER, WHERE SUCH SALE IS NOT TO THE COMPTROLLER, OR
   56  (2) THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUDGET, WHERE SUCH SALE IS TO THE COMPTROLLER.
       S. 643                             12
    1    (C) ANY RESOLUTION OR RESOLUTIONS AUTHORIZING ANY NOTES  OR  BONDS  OR
    2  ANY  ISSUE  THEREOF MAY CONTAIN PROVISIONS, WHICH SHALL BE A PART OF THE
    3  CONTRACT WITH THE HOLDERS THEREOF, AS TO:
    4    (1)  PLEDGING  ALL OR ANY PART OF THE PREMIUMS, CHARGES AND OTHER FEES
    5  MADE OR RECEIVED BY THE AUTHORITY, AND OTHER MONEY  RECEIVED  OR  TO  BE
    6  RECEIVED,  TO  SECURE  THE PAYMENT OF THE NOTES OR BONDS OR OF ANY ISSUE
    7  THEREOF, SUBJECT TO SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH BONDHOLDERS OR  NOTEHOLDERS  AS
    8  MAY THEN EXIST;
    9    (2)  PLEDGING ALL OR ANY PART OF THE ASSETS OF THE AUTHORITY TO SECURE
   10  THE PAYMENT OF THE NOTES OR BONDS OR OF ANY ISSUE  OF  NOTES  OR  BONDS,
   11  SUBJECT  TO  SUCH AGREEMENTS WITH NOTEHOLDERS OR BONDHOLDERS AS MAY THEN
   12  EXIST;
   13    (3) THE SETTING ASIDE OF RESERVES OR SINKING FUNDS AND THE  REGULATION
   14  AND DISPOSITION THEREOF; AND
   15    (4)  ANY  OTHER  MATTERS, OF LIKE OR DIFFERENT CHARACTER, WHICH IN ANY
   16  WAY AFFECT THE SECURITY OR PROTECTION OF THE NOTES OR BONDS.
   17    S 9206-B.  AGREEMENT OF THE STATE. THE STATE DOES HEREBY PLEDGE TO AND
   18  AGREE WITH THE HOLDERS OF ANY NOTES OR BONDS OR LEASE OBLIGATIONS ISSUED
   19  OR INCURRED UNDER THIS ARTICLE, THAT THE STATE WILL NOT LIMIT  OR  ALTER
   20  THE  DENIAL OF AUTHORITY UNDER THIS ARTICLE, OR THE RIGHTS HEREBY VESTED
   21  IN THE AUTHORITY TO FULFILL THE TERMS OF ANY AGREEMENTS  MADE  WITH  THE
   22  HOLDERS  THEREOF,  OR  IN ANY WAY IMPAIR THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES OF SUCH
   23  HOLDERS UNTIL SUCH NOTES OR BONDS OR LEASE  OBLIGATIONS,  TOGETHER  WITH
   24  THE INTEREST THEREON, WITH INTEREST ON ANY UNPAID INSTALLMENTS OF INTER-
   25  EST,  AND  ALL  COSTS  AND EXPENSES FOR WHICH THE AUTHORITY IS LIABLE IN
   26  CONNECTION WITH ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BY OR ON BEHALF OF  SUCH  HOLD-
   27  ERS,  ARE  FULLY  MET  AND  DISCHARGED. THE AUTHORITY SHALL INCLUDE THIS
   28  PLEDGE AND AGREEMENT OF THE STATE IN ANY AGREEMENT WITH THE  HOLDERS  OF
   29  SUCH NOTES OR BONDS OR LEASE OBLIGATIONS.
   30    S 9206-C.  NOTES AND BONDS AS LEGAL INVESTMENT. THE NOTES AND BONDS OF
   31  THE  AUTHORITY  ARE  HEREBY MADE SECURITIES IN WHICH ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS
   32  AND BODIES OF THE STATE AND ALL MUNICIPALITIES  AND  POLITICAL  SUBDIVI-
   33  SIONS, ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER PERSONS CARRY-
   34  ING  ON  AN  INSURANCE  BUSINESS,  ALL  BANKS, BANKERS, TRUST COMPANIES,
   35  SAVINGS BANKS AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS, INCLUDING SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSO-
   36  CIATIONS, BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS, INVESTMENT COMPANIES AND OTHER
   37  PERSONS CARRYING ON A BANKING BUSINESS, ALL  ADMINISTRATORS,  GUARDIANS,
   38  EXECUTORS, TRUSTEES AND OTHER FIDUCIARIES, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS WHATSO-
   39  EVER  WHO  ARE NOW OR WHO MAY HEREAFTER BE AUTHORIZED TO INVEST IN BONDS
   40  OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE, MAY PROPERLY AND LEGALLY INVEST FUNDS
   41  INCLUDING CAPITAL IN THEIR CONTROL OR BELONGING TO THEM.   NOTWITHSTAND-
   42  ING  ANY  OTHER  PROVISIONS  OF LAW, THE BONDS OF THE AUTHORITY ARE ALSO
   43  HEREBY MADE SECURITIES WHICH MAY BE DEPOSITED WITH AND SHALL BE RECEIVED
   44  BY ALL PUBLIC OFFICERS AND BODIES OF THIS STATE AND  ALL  MUNICIPALITIES
   45  AND  POLITICAL  SUBDIVISIONS  FOR  ANY  PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE DEPOSIT OF
   46  BONDS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF THE STATE  IS  NOW  OR  MAY  HEREAFTER  BE
   47  AUTHORIZED.
   48    S 9207. ADVISORY COUNCIL. (A) AN ADVISORY COUNCIL CONSISTING OF TWENTY
   49  MEMBERS  SHALL  BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE THE AUTHORITY WITH INFORMATION
   50  AND ADVICE IN CONNECTION WITH ITS DUTIES.  THE MEMBERS SHALL BE SELECTED
   51  FROM THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:  REPRESENTATIVES WITH EXPERTISE IN  ACTU-
   52  ARIAL,  METEOROLOGY,  LAND-USE PLANNING AND ENGINEERING; AND A REPRESEN-
   53  TATIVE OF INSURERS, INSURANCE AGENTS, REINSURERS, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE-
   54  FIGHTERS, THE STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE, THE  DIVISION  OF  CODE
   55  ENFORCEMENT  OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE DEPART-
   56  MENT OF TRANSPORTATION, THE DEPARTMENT  OF  TAXATION  AND  FINANCE,  THE
       S. 643                             13
    1  DEPARTMENT  OF  AUDIT AND CONTROL AND CONSUMERS WHO SHALL ALSO BE REPRE-
    2  SENTATIVES OF OTHER AFFECTED PROFESSIONS  AND  INDUSTRIES.  TEN  MEMBERS
    3  SHALL  BE  APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, FOUR BY THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF
    4  THE  SENATE,  FOUR  BY  THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND ONE EACH BY THE
    5  MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE AND THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY.
    6    (B) THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL, IN  COOPERATION  WITH  STATE  AGENCIES
    7  SUCH  AS  THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, THE
    8  DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, THE DEPARTMENT, AND THE STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
    9  OFFICE, DEVELOP PREVENTION AND MITIGATION STANDARDS TO  MINIMIZE  POTEN-
   10  TIAL  DAMAGE  THAT  MAY  OCCUR  FROM A NATURAL DISASTER BEFORE A COVERED
   11  EVENT AND MINIMIZE ACTUAL DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR DURING A  COVERED  EVENT
   12  AND  IMMEDIATELY  AFTER  SUCH  AN  EVENT. SUCH PREVENTION AND MITIGATION
   13  STANDARDS SHALL INCLUDE:
   14    (1) A REVIEW AND UPDATE OF THE STATE BUILDING AND FIRE PREVENTION CODE
   15  AND MUNICIPAL LAND-USE PLANS  TO  ENSURE  THAT  BUILDING  STANDARDS  AND
   16  MUNICIPAL  ZONING  AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS ARE SATISFACTORY TO MITI-
   17  GATE DAMAGE FROM A  CATASTROPHIC  EVENT.  FURTHER,  SUCH  STANDARDS  MAY
   18  CONTEMPLATE  THE  USE OF APPROPRIATE BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
   19  METHODS TO MITIGATE POTENTIAL DAMAGE;
   20    (2) SUGGESTED CHANGES IN PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT ALL BUILDING  CODES
   21  AND MUNICIPAL LAND-USE PLANS ARE ENFORCED;
   22    (3)  SUGGESTIONS TO MINIMIZE THE LOSS OF LIFE VIA EXPEDITED EVACUATION
   23  PROCEDURES FOR  ALL  AFFECTED  RESIDENTS,  PARTICULARLY  THOSE  WHO  ARE
   24  ECONOMICALLY, PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY  UNABLE TO GET OUT OF HARMS WAY;
   25    (4) SUGGESTIONS AND PROCEDURES TO ACCELERATE THE RECOVERY AND REBUILD-
   26  ING PROCESS;
   27    (5) SUGGESTIONS AND PROCEDURES TO ASSIST ADVERSELY AFFECTED BUSINESSES
   28  SO  THAT  SUCH  BUSINESSES  CAN QUICKLY COMMENCE OPERATIONS AND MINIMIZE
   29  SHORT AND LONG TERM JOB LOSSES; AND
   30    (6) A STUDY OF AND SUGGESTIONS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIONAL  ACTU-
   31  ARIALLY  APPROPRIATE  INSURANCE  PREMIUM  DISCOUNTS  TO  BE  OFFERED  TO
   32  INSUREDS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND MUNICIPALITIES TO  BUILD
   33  OR RETROFIT THEIR HOMES, BUSINESSES AND MUNICIPAL FACILITIES IN A WAY TO
   34  MINIMIZE DAMAGE.
   35    THE ADVISORY COUNCIL SHALL REPORT ITS INITIAL FINDINGS TO THE CHAIR OF
   36  THE AUTHORITY, THE GOVERNOR, THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE TEMPORARY PRESIDENT
   37  OF  THE  SENATE, THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE
   38  SENATE AND THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE ASSEMBLY ON OR BEFORE JUNE  FIRST,
   39  TWO THOUSAND TEN, AND SHALL THEREAFTER ISSUE AND SUBMIT REPORTS ANNUALLY
   40  ON OR BEFORE JUNE FIRST.
   41    S  9208.  VIOLATIONS.  ANY  VIOLATION  OF THIS ARTICLE OR OF THE RULES
   42  ADOPTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THIS CHAPTER.
   43    S 9209. INTERNATIONAL, FEDERAL, STATE, REGIONAL OR  MULTISTATE  CATAS-
   44  TROPHE  FUNDS.  THE AUTHORITY, IN THE CONDUCT OF ITS BUSINESS AND OPERA-
   45  TION, SHALL ACTIVELY ATTEMPT TO INTEGRATE AND COORDINATE ITS  ACTIVITIES
   46  AND  OPERATIONS  WITH OTHER EXISTING OR NEWLY ESTABLISHED INTERNATIONAL,
   47  FEDERAL, STATE, REGIONAL OR MULTISTATE CATASTROPHE FUNDS OR PROGRAMS, OR
   48  OTHER REINSURANCE PROGRAMS THAT SERVE PURPOSES THAT ARE SIMILAR  TO  ALL
   49  OR  SOME  OF THE GOALS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE FUND ESTABLISHED BY THIS
   50  ARTICLE. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL PROMPTLY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS  TO  THE
   51  AUTHORITY,  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  LEGISLATURE  ON METHODS TO ENCOURAGE THE
   52  INTEGRATION, CONSOLIDATION OR COORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES AND  OPERATIONS
   53  OF THE VARIOUS EXISTING OR NEWLY ESTABLISHED FEDERAL, STATE, REGIONAL OR
   54  MULTISTATE CATASTROPHE FUNDS OR OTHER REINSURANCE PROGRAMS. THE AUTHORI-
   55  TY,  UPON  THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATURE, MAY INTEGRATE, COORDINATE OR
   56  TERMINATE THE FUND AND CONSOLIDATE SUCH FUND WITH OTHER OPERATING CATAS-
       S. 643                             14
    1  TROPHE OR REINSURANCE FUNDS OR MERGE, TAKE OVER OR ACQUIRE OTHER ALREADY
    2  OPERATING CATASTROPHE OR REINSURANCE FUNDS TO CREATE A LARGER  AND  MORE
    3  DIVERSE CATASTROPHE FUND.
    4    THE  AUTHORITY  SHALL  INVESTIGATE THE INTEGRATION AND COORDINATION OF
    5  THE PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS  FOR  THE  COVERAGE  FROM  CATASTROPHIC  COVERED
    6  EVENTS  AND THE TIMELY PAYMENT OF CLAIMS WITH OTHER EXISTING FEDERAL AND
    7  STATE INSURANCE PROGRAMS SUCH AS THE NATIONAL FLOOD  INSURANCE  PROGRAM,
    8  PAYMENTS  TO  BE  MADE  BY  THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, AND
    9  STATE SPONSORED FAIR PLANS SUCH  AS  THE  NEW  YORK  PROPERTY  INSURANCE
   10  UNDERWRITING ASSOCIATION, AND STATE SPONSORED INSURANCE GUARANTEE FUNDS.
   11    S  9210.  FUND ASSETS UPON TERMINATION. THE FUND AND THE DUTIES OF THE
   12  AUTHORITY UNDER THIS ARTICLE MAY BE TERMINATED ONLY  BY  LAW.  UPON  THE
   13  FULL  OR  PARTIAL  TERMINATION  OF  THE  OPERATION OF THE FUND, ALL OR A
   14  PORTION OF SUCH ASSETS OF THE FUND SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO ANY SUCCESSOR
   15  FEDERAL OR MULTISTATE CATASTROPHE FUND OR THE  PROPERTY/CASUALTY  INSUR-
   16  ANCE SECURITY FUND.
   17    S 4.  The sum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000), or so much thereof
   18  as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated to the New York state catas-
   19  trophe  fund out of any moneys in the state treasury in the general fund
   20  to the credit of the state purposes account not  otherwise  appropriated
   21  for  its  expenses,  including personal services, maintenance and opera-
   22  tion, in carrying out the provisions of this act.
   23    S 5. This act shall take effect immediately.
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