Bill Text: NY S04222 | 2015-2016 | General Assembly | Introduced


Bill Title: Creates the New York flood insurance association.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-01-06 - REFERRED TO INSURANCE [S04222 Detail]

Download: New_York-2015-S04222-Introduced.html
                           S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
       ________________________________________________________________________
                                         4222
                              2015-2016 Regular Sessions
                                   I N  S E N A T E
                                    March 11, 2015
                                      ___________
       Introduced  by  Sen.  SEWARD -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
         printed to be committed to the Committee on Insurance
       AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation  to  creating  the  state
         flood insurance association
         THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
       BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
    1    Section 1. The insurance law is amended by adding a new  article  54-A
    2  to read as follows:
    3                                ARTICLE 54-A
    4                    NEW YORK FLOOD INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
    5  SECTION 5450. DEFINITIONS.
    6          5451. ASSOCIATION.
    7          5452. PROCEDURES.
    8          5453. RATES, RATING PLANS, RULES AND STATISTICS.
    9          5454. PARTICIPATION.
   10          5455. APPEALS.
   11          5456. AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS; IMMUNITY.
   12          5457. ANNUAL STATEMENT.
   13          5458. EXAMINATIONS.
   14          5459. REIMBURSEMENT FUND.
   15          5460. ADDITIONAL POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
   16    S 5450. DEFINITIONS. IN THIS ARTICLE:
   17    (A)  "FLOOD INSURANCE" MEANS COVERAGE AGAINST LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO ANY
   18  PROPERTY RESULTING FROM FLOOD, AS DEFINED IN PARAGRAPHS FIVE AND SIX  OF
   19  SUBSECTION  (A)  OF  SECTION  ONE  THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN OF THIS
   20  CHAPTER  AND  IMPLEMENTED  BY  SECTION  THREE  THOUSAND   FOUR   HUNDRED
   21  FORTY-FOUR OF THIS CHAPTER.
   22    (B)  "ASSOCIATION"  MEANS  THE  NEW  YORK  FLOOD INSURANCE ASSOCIATION
   23  ESTABLISHED BY THIS ARTICLE.
   24    (C) "PLAN OF OPERATION" OR "PLAN" MEANS THE PLAN OF OPERATION  COMPLY-
   25  ING WITH SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE OF THIS ARTICLE.
        EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                             [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                                  LBD09486-01-5
       S. 4222                             2
    1    (D)  "INSURABLE  PROPERTY"  MEANS  REAL  PROPERTY  AT  FIXED LOCATIONS
    2  ANYWHERE IN THIS STATE, OR THE TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY LOCATED THERE-
    3  ON, WHICH IS DETERMINED BY THE ASSOCIATION, AFTER INSPECTION AND  PURSU-
    4  ANT TO CRITERIA SPECIFIED IN THE PLAN, TO BE INSURABLE.  NEIGHBORHOOD OR
    5  AREA  LOCATION  SHALL  NOT BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING INSURABLE CONDI-
    6  TION. PROPERTY IS NOT INSURABLE IF IT HAS CHARACTERISTICS OF  OWNERSHIP,
    7  CONDITION, OCCUPANCY OR MAINTENANCE WHICH VIOLATE PUBLIC POLICY.
    8    (E) "NET DIRECT PREMIUMS" MEANS GROSS DIRECT PREMIUMS WRITTEN ON PROP-
    9  ERTY  IN  THIS  STATE  FOR  FLOOD  INSURANCE LESS RETURN PREMIUMS OR THE
   10  UNUSED OR UNABSORBED PORTIONS OF PREMIUM DEPOSITS.
   11    (F) "HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE" MEANS SUCH  HOMEOWNERS  INSURANCE  POLICIES
   12  DEFINED  IN  SUBSECTION  (A)  OF  SECTION  TWO  THOUSAND  THREE  HUNDRED
   13  FIFTY-ONE OF THIS CHAPTER, AS ARE DETERMINED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT TO BE
   14  EQUIVALENT TO ANY HOMEOWNERS POLICIES DEVELOPED BY A  NATIONALLY  RECOG-
   15  NIZED  PRINCIPAL RATE SERVICE ORGANIZATION, EXCEPT THAT WHERE THE MARKET
   16  VALUE OF THE INSURED PROPERTY IS LESS THAN ITS  REPLACEMENT  COST,  THEN
   17  THE COVERAGE SHALL BE PROVIDED IN POLICIES DETERMINED BY THE SUPERINTEN-
   18  DENT TO BE EQUIVALENT TO THAT CONTAINED IN MARKET VALUE (HO-8) POLICIES.
   19    S  5451.  ASSOCIATION. (A) THE ASSOCIATION KNOWN AS THE NEW YORK FLOOD
   20  INSURANCE ASSOCIATION IS ESTABLISHED, CONSISTING OF ALL INSURERS AUTHOR-
   21  IZED TO WRITE AND ENGAGED IN WRITING WITHIN  THIS  STATE,  ON  A  DIRECT
   22  BASIS,  FLOOD COVERAGE INSURANCE. EVERY SUCH INSURER SHALL BE AND REMAIN
   23  A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION AS A CONDITION OF ITS AUTHORITY TO  CONTINUE
   24  TO TRANSACT FLOOD AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE IN THIS STATE.
   25    (B)  THE  ASSOCIATION  SHALL BE GOVERNED BY A BOARD OF THIRTEEN DIREC-
   26  TORS, TEN OF WHOM SHALL BE ELECTED ANNUALLY BY CUMULATIVE VOTING BY  THE
   27  MEMBERS  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION,  WHOSE  VOTES  IN  SUCH ELECTION SHALL BE
   28  WEIGHTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH EACH MEMBER'S NET  DIRECT  PREMIUMS  WRITTEN
   29  DURING  THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR. THE REMAINING THREE DIRECTORS SHALL
   30  BE APPOINTED ANNUALLY BY THE SUPERINTENDENT AND BE DULY LICENSED  INSUR-
   31  ANCE  AGENTS  OR  BROKERS REPRESENTATIVE OF BROAD SEGMENTS OF THE PUBLIC
   32  OBTAINING INSURANCE THROUGH THE ASSOCIATION.
   33    (C) THE ASSOCIATION SHALL, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS  ARTICLE
   34  AND  THE  PLAN  OF  OPERATION  AND WITH RESPECT TO FLOOD COVERAGE ISSUED
   35  PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF  THIS  SECTION  AND  HOMEOWNERS  INSURANCE
   36  SHOULD  THE SAME BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE ASSOCIATION IN ACCORDANCE
   37  WITH A DETERMINATION OF NECESSITY MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO
   38  SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY OF THIS  ARTICLE  ON  INSURABLE
   39  PROPERTY, HAVE THE POWER ON BEHALF OF ITS MEMBERS:
   40    (I) TO CAUSE POLICIES OF INSURANCE TO BE ISSUED TO APPLICANTS;
   41    (II) TO ASSUME REINSURANCE FROM ITS MEMBERS; AND
   42    (III) TO CEDE REINSURANCE.
   43    (D)  THE  ASSOCIATION  SHALL ADHERE TO A PLAN OF OPERATION, CONSISTENT
   44  WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS  ARTICLE,  APPROVED  BY  THE  SUPERINTENDENT
   45  AFTER  CONSULTATION  WITH  AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS.   THE
   46  PLAN SHALL PROVIDE FOR ECONOMICAL, FAIR AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY  ADMINIS-
   47  TRATION AND PROMPT AND EFFICIENT PROVISION OF FLOOD COVERAGE PURSUANT TO
   48  SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE, WHEN A DETERMI-
   49  NATION  OF  NECESSITY  IS MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION
   50  FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY OF  THIS  ARTICLE  TO  PROMOTE  ORDERLY
   51  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. IT SHALL CONTAIN OTHER MATTERS INCLUDING, BUT NOT
   52  LIMITED  TO, PROVISION FOR NECESSARY FACILITIES; MANAGEMENT OF THE ASSO-
   53  CIATION; ASSESSMENT OF MEMBERS TO DEFRAY LOSSES AND EXPENSES; COMMISSION
   54  ARRANGEMENTS; REASONABLE AND OBJECTIVE UNDERWRITING  STANDARDS;  ACCEPT-
   55  ANCE  AND  CESSION OF REINSURANCE AND PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING AMOUNTS
   56  OF INSURANCE TO BE PROVIDED BY THE ASSOCIATION. THE AMOUNTS SHALL NOT BE
       S. 4222                             3
    1  IN EXCESS OF ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE INSURABLE
    2  REAL PROPERTY OR THE TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY THEREON.
    3    (E)  THE  DIRECTORS OF THE ASSOCIATION MAY, ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE OR
    4  AT THE REQUEST OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, AMEND THE PLAN SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
    5  BY THE SUPERINTENDENT.
    6    (F) THE ASSOCIATION SHALL OFFER HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE,  AS  DEFINED  IN
    7  SUBSECTION (F) OF SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY OF THIS ARTI-
    8  CLE  UPON  A  DETERMINATION  OF NECESSITY HAVING BEEN MADE BY THE SUPER-
    9  INTENDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY  OF  THIS
   10  ARTICLE.
   11    (G)  IN  ADDITION  TO FLOOD INSURANCE, HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE SHOULD THE
   12  SAME BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE  ASSOCIATION  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH  A
   13  DETERMINATION  OF  NECESSITY  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  FIVE  THOUSAND FOUR
   14  HUNDRED SIXTY OF THIS ARTICLE. ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER FIRST, TWO  THOUSAND
   15  EIGHTEEN,  THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL REQUIRE THE ASSOCIATION TO REPORT TO
   16  HIM OR HER AS TO  THE  NUMBER  OF  POLICIES  WRITTEN  PURSUANT  TO  THIS
   17  SUBSECTION  AND  PARAGRAPH THREE OF SUBSECTION (F) OF SECTION FIVE THOU-
   18  SAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE, AND ANY OTHER  INFORMATION
   19  THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY REQUIRE. ON OR BEFORE JANUARY FIRST, TWO THOUSAND
   20  NINETEEN, THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGIS-
   21  LATURE  REGARDING THE NUMBER OF POLICIES ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION
   22  AND SUCH PARAGRAPH AND SHALL INCLUDE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO THE CONTINUA-
   23  TION OF SUCH INSURANCE OFFERINGS.
   24    (H) THE ASSOCIATION SHALL ADHERE TO A PLAN  OF  OPERATION,  CONSISTENT
   25  WITH  THE  PROVISIONS  OF  THIS  ARTICLE, APPROVED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT
   26  AFTER CONSULTATION WITH AFFECTED INDIVIDUALS  AND  ORGANIZATIONS.    THE
   27  PLAN  SHALL PROVIDE FOR ECONOMICAL, FAIR AND NON-DISCRIMINATORY ADMINIS-
   28  TRATION AND PROMPT AND EFFICIENT PROVISION OF FLOOD COVERAGE PURSUANT TO
   29  SUBSECTION (G) OF THIS SECTION AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE, WHEN A DETERMI-
   30  NATION OF NECESSITY IS MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION
   31  FIVE  THOUSAND  FOUR  HUNDRED  SIXTY  OF THIS ARTICLE TO PROMOTE ORDERLY
   32  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. IT SHALL CONTAIN OTHER  MATTERS,  INCLUDING,  BUT
   33  NOT  LIMITED  TO,  PROVISION FOR NECESSARY FACILITIES; MANAGEMENT OF THE
   34  ASSOCIATION; ASSESSMENT  OF  MEMBERS  TO  DEFRAY  LOSSES  AND  EXPENSES;
   35  COMMISSION  ARRANGEMENTS; REASONABLE AND OBJECTIVE STANDARDS; ACCEPTANCE
   36  AND CESSION OF REINSURANCE AND PROCEDURES  FOR  DETERMINING  AMOUNTS  OF
   37  INSURANCE  TO  BE PROVIDED BY THE ASSOCIATION.  THE AMOUNTS SHALL NOT BE
   38  IN EXCESS OF ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE INSURABLE
   39  REAL PROPERTY OR THE TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY THEREON.
   40    (I) THE DIRECTORS OF THE ASSOCIATION MAY, ON THEIR OWN  INITIATIVE  OR
   41  AT THE REQUEST OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, AMEND THE PLAN SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
   42  BY THE SUPERINTENDENT.
   43    (J) NOT LESS THAN ONCE EVERY THIRTY DAYS, THE ASSOCIATION SHALL REPORT
   44  TO  THE  SUPERINTENDENT,  THE SPEAKER OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND THE TEMPORARY
   45  PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE ON THE NUMBER, LOCATION  AND  TYPE  OF  POLICIES
   46  WRITTEN  THROUGH A COASTAL MARKET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PURSUANT TO SECTION
   47  FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FOURTEEN OF THIS CHAPTER.
   48    S 5452. PROCEDURES. (A) ANY PERSON HAVING  AN  INSURABLE  INTEREST  IN
   49  INSURABLE  PROPERTY, WHO HAS MADE A DILIGENT EFFORT IN THE NORMAL INSUR-
   50  ANCE MARKET TO PROCURE FLOOD INSURANCE, PURSUANT TO  SUBSECTION  (G)  OF
   51  SECTION  FIVE  THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE OF THIS ARTICLE AND HOME-
   52  OWNERS INSURANCE UPON A DETERMINATION OF NECESSITY HAVING BEEN  MADE  BY
   53  THE  SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY
   54  OF THIS ARTICLE FROM AN AUTHORIZED INSURER, IS ENTITLED TO APPLY TO  THE
   55  ASSOCIATION FOR SUCH COVERAGE. SUCH APPLICATION MAY BE MADE ON BEHALF OF
   56  AN APPLICANT BY A BROKER OR AGENT AUTHORIZED BY HIM OR HER.
       S. 4222                             4
    1    (B)  IF  THE ASSOCIATION DETERMINES THAT (I) THE PROPERTY IS INSURABLE
    2  IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLAN AND (II) THERE  IS  NO  UNPAID,  UNCONTESTED
    3  PREMIUM  DUE  FROM THE APPLICANT FOR PRIOR INSURANCE ON THE PROPERTY (AS
    4  SHOWN BY THE INSURED HAVING FAILED TO MAKE WRITTEN OBJECTION TO  CHARGES
    5  WITHIN  THIRTY DAYS AFTER BILLING), THE ASSOCIATION, UPON RECEIPT OF THE
    6  PREMIUM OR PORTION PRESCRIBED IN THE PLAN, SHALL CAUSE A POLICY OF FLOOD
    7  INSURANCE OR HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE  UPON  A  DETERMINATION  OF  NECESSITY
    8  HAVING BEEN MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION FIVE THOUSAND
    9  FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY OF THIS ARTICLE TO BE ISSUED FOR A TERM OF ONE YEAR.
   10    (C)  ANY MEMBER MAY CEDE FLOOD INSURANCE PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (G) OF
   11  SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE OF THIS ARTICLE AND  COVER-
   12  AGE  FOR  AND  HOMEOWNERS  INSURANCE  UPON  A DETERMINATION OF NECESSITY
   13  HAVING BEEN MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION FIVE THOUSAND
   14  FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY OF THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN ON INSURABLE PROPERTY TO  THE
   15  ASSOCIATION AS PROVIDED IN THE PLAN.
   16    (D)  THE  ASSOCIATION  SHALL  NOTIFY THOSE POLICYHOLDERS WHOSE INSURED
   17  PROPERTIES ARE LOCATED IN AREAS SERVED BY A  MARKET  ASSISTANCE  PROGRAM
   18  ESTABLISHED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF FACILITATING PLACE-
   19  MENT  OF  HOMEOWNERS'  INSURANCE  OF  THE POSSIBILITY OF ELIGIBILITY FOR
   20  COVERAGE THROUGH SUCH PROGRAM. SUCH NOTIFICATION SHALL INCLUDE  INFORMA-
   21  TION  ON  HOW  TO  APPLY  AND  SUCH OTHER INFORMATION AS REQUIRED BY THE
   22  SUPERINTENDENT.
   23    S 5453. RATES, RATING PLANS, RULES  AND  STATISTICS.  (A)  THE  RATES,
   24  RATING  PLANS,  RATING  RULES AND STATISTICS APPLICABLE TO THE INSURANCE
   25  WRITTEN BY THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE  RELEVANT  PROVISIONS
   26  OF  ARTICLE TWENTY-THREE OF THIS CHAPTER EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN
   27  THIS SECTION.
   28    (B) RATES, RATING PLANS AND RATING RULES APPLICABLE  TO  FLOOD  INSUR-
   29  ANCE,  PURSUANT  TO SUBSECTION (G) OF SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED
   30  FIFTY-ONE OF THIS ARTICLE AND HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE UPON A  DETERMINATION
   31  OF  NECESSITY HAVING BEEN MADE BY THE SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO SECTION
   32  FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED SIXTY OF THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY THE  ASSOCI-
   33  ATION SHALL BE NO GREATER THAN THE FOLLOWING PERCENTAGES OF THOSE RECOM-
   34  MENDED  FOR THE VOLUNTARY MARKET BY THE PRINCIPAL RATE SERVICE ORGANIZA-
   35  TION IN THIS STATE:
   36    (1) ONE HUNDRED TWENTY PERCENT WITH RESPECT TO:
   37    (A) OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS CONSISTING OF NOT  MORE  THAN
   38  FOUR DWELLING UNITS;
   39    (B)  HOUSEHOLD  FURNISHINGS  AND  PERSONAL  PROPERTY  CONTAINED IN ANY
   40  HOUSEHOLD UNIT;
   41    (C) CONTENTS OF ANY RETAIL-TYPE BUSINESS LOCATED IN  STORE-TYPE  PREM-
   42  ISES AND OPERATING IN A SINGLE LOCATION, PROVIDED SUCH BUSINESS IS OWNED
   43  BY ITS OPERATORS, WHO ARE ALL RELATED BY BLOOD OR AFFINITY;
   44    (D)  REAL  PROPERTY  OF ELEEMOSYNARY INSTITUTIONS USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR
   45  SUCH ELEEMOSYNARY PURPOSES INCLUDING FURNISHINGS AND  PERSONAL  PROPERTY
   46  CONTAINED THEREIN;
   47    (2) ONE HUNDRED THIRTY PERCENT WITH RESPECT TO:
   48    (A)  NON-OWNER  OCCUPIED  RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS CONSISTING OF NOT MORE
   49  THAN FOUR DWELLING UNITS;
   50    (B) RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES  CONSISTING  OF  MORE  THAN  FOUR  BUT  NOT
   51  EXCEEDING EIGHT UNITS WITH OR WITHOUT BUSINESS OCCUPANCIES;
   52    (C) HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE UPON A DETERMINATION OF NECESSITY HAVING BEEN
   53  MADE  BY  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  FIVE THOUSAND FOUR
   54  HUNDRED TWELVE OF THIS CHAPTER;
       S. 4222                             5
    1    (3) ONE HUNDRED FORTY PERCENT WITH RESPECT  TO  RESIDENTIAL  DWELLINGS
    2  CONSISTING  OF  MORE THAN EIGHT DWELLING UNITS, WITH OR WITHOUT BUSINESS
    3  OCCUPANCIES;
    4    (4) ONE HUNDRED THIRTY PERCENT WITH RESPECT TO ANY RISKS NOT OTHERWISE
    5  PROVIDED FOR IN PARAGRAPHS ONE, TWO AND THREE OF THIS SUBSECTION.
    6    (C)  THE RATES, RATING PLANS AND RATING RULES RECOMMENDED BY THE PRIN-
    7  CIPAL RATE SERVICE ORGANIZATION, TOGETHER WITH  SUCH  OTHER  INFORMATION
    8  THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY REQUIRE, SHALL BE SUBMITTED BY THE ASSOCIATION AT
    9  LEAST SIXTY DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE ON WHICH THEY ARE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE
   10  FOR RISKS WRITTEN BY IT.
   11    (D) FILED RATING RULES OR PLANS MAY PROVIDE STANDARDS FOR THE APPLICA-
   12  TION  OF SURCHARGES FOR RISKS CONTAINING UNSAFE OR HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS,
   13  AND SHALL PROVIDE FOR PROMPT REMOVAL OF THE SURCHARGES UPON  THE  ELIMI-
   14  NATION OF THOSE CONDITIONS.
   15    S  5454.  PARTICIPATION.  (A)  EVERY  MEMBER  OF THE ASSOCIATION SHALL
   16  PARTICIPATE IN ITS WRITINGS, EXPENSES, PROFITS AND LOSSES IN THE PROPOR-
   17  TION THAT THE NET DIRECT PREMIUMS OF  THE  MEMBER  (BUT  EXCLUDING  THAT
   18  PORTION  OF  PREMIUMS  ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE OPERATION OF THE ASSOCIATION)
   19  WRITTEN DURING THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR BEAR  TO  THE  AGGREGATE  NET
   20  DIRECT PREMIUMS WRITTEN IN THIS STATE BY ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
   21  EACH MEMBER'S PARTICIPATION IN THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE DETERMINED ANNU-
   22  ALLY ON THE BASIS OF SUCH NET DIRECT PREMIUMS WRITTEN DURING THE PRECED-
   23  ING  CALENDAR  YEAR  AS  DISCLOSED  IN  THE  ANNUAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER
   24  REPORTS FILED BY THE MEMBER WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT.
   25    (B) NO MEMBER SHALL BE OBLIGATED IN ANY YEAR TO REIMBURSE THE  ASSOCI-
   26  ATION  ON  ACCOUNT  OF ITS PROPORTIONATE SHARE IN THE DEFICIT FROM OPER-
   27  ATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION IN THAT YEAR IN EXCESS OF ONE PERCENT  OF  ITS
   28  SURPLUS  TO  POLICYHOLDERS. THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT NOT SO REIMBURSED SHALL
   29  BE REALLOCATED AMONG THE REMAINING MEMBERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE METHOD
   30  OF DETERMINING PARTICIPATION PRESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION, AFTER EXCLUDING
   31  FROM THE COMPUTATION THE TOTAL NET DIRECT PREMIUMS OF  ALL  MEMBERS  NOT
   32  SHARING IN SUCH EXCESS DEFICIT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE DEFICIT FROM OPER-
   33  ATIONS  ALLOCATED  TO  ALL MEMBERS IN ANY CALENDAR YEAR SHALL EXCEED ONE
   34  PERCENT OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SURPLUS TO POLICYHOLDERS, THE AMOUNT OF SUCH
   35  DEFICIT SHALL BE ALLOCATED TO EACH MEMBER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE  METHOD
   36  OF DETERMINING PARTICIPATION PRESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION.
   37    (C)  ANNUALLY,  ON  A  DATE SET BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE ASSOCIATION
   38  SHALL ESTIMATE ITS DEFICIT FROM OPERATIONS, AND AFTER APPLICATION OF THE
   39  FUNDS PROVIDED FOR IN  SUBSECTION  (D)  OF  THIS  SECTION,  CALCULATE  A
   40  FACTOR,  NOT  TO  EXCEED  ONE  PERCENT,  BY RELATING SUCH DEFICIT TO NET
   41  DIRECT PREMIUMS WRITTEN FOR THE LATEST CALENDAR  YEAR,  SUBJECT  TO  THE
   42  APPROVAL  OF  THE  SUPERINTENDENT.  SUCH  FACTOR MAY BE REFLECTED IN THE
   43  DETERMINATION OF RATES FILED BY THE  PRINCIPAL  RATING  ORGANIZATION  IN
   44  THIS  STATE  AND BY MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR FIRE, EXTENDED COVER-
   45  AGE, BROAD FORM COVERAGE PURSUANT TO  SUBSECTION  (G)  OF  SECTION  FIVE
   46  THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE OF THIS ARTICLE AND HOMEOWNERS POLICIES.
   47  NOTWITHSTANDING  THE  PROVISIONS  OF  SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED
   48  FIFTY-THREE OF THIS ARTICLE TO THE CONTRARY, ANY PART  OF  SUCH  DEFICIT
   49  WHICH  EXCEEDS  ONE  PERCENT  AS  SO CALCULATED, SHALL BE DEFRAYED BY AN
   50  INCREASE IN RATES FOR THE RESPECTIVE OCCUPANCY CLASSES, BASED  UPON  THE
   51  ASSOCIATION'S  RELATED  LOSS  AND EXPENSE EXPERIENCE TOGETHER WITH OTHER
   52  INFORMATION THE SUPERINTENDENT  REQUIRES,  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH  FILINGS
   53  APPROVED  BY  THE  SUPERINTENDENT.  EACH MEMBER'S SHARE OF THE ESTIMATED
   54  DEFICIT SHALL BE COLLECTED BY THE ASSOCIATION  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH  THE
   55  PLAN OF OPERATION.
       S. 4222                             6
    1    (D)  IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE DEFICIT
    2  FROM THE OPERATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION SHALL  BE  CREDITED  WITH  INCOME
    3  EARNED  FROM THE NEW YORK PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE SECURITY FUND. THE
    4  CREDIT SHALL BE AN AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, WHICH IN  NO
    5  YEAR  SHALL  EXCEED  INCOME EARNED OR THE SUM OF FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS
    6  WHICHEVER IS LESS. THE CREDIT SHALL BE ESTIMATED ANNUALLY BY THE  SUPER-
    7  INTENDENT ON A DATE SET BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, AND SUCH ESTIMATED AMOUNT
    8  SHALL  BE CREDITED TO THE ASSOCIATION AND TRANSFERRED FROM THE INCOME AS
    9  EARNED DURING THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE SECU-
   10  RITY FUND. ANY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF INCOME AND THE
   11  ACTUAL AMOUNT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR SHALL  BE  TAKEN  INTO  ACCOUNT  IN
   12  COMPUTING  THE ESTIMATE FOR THE NEXT PERIOD. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGO-
   13  ING PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION OR ANY OTHER LAW TO THE CONTRARY, IF  THE
   14  ASSETS OF THE ASSOCIATION EXCEED ITS LIABILITIES ON THE THIRTIETH DAY OF
   15  NOVEMBER  IN  ANY  YEAR  COMMENCING  ON  OR  AFTER APRIL FIRST, NINETEEN
   16  HUNDRED EIGHTY-TWO IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT,
   17  THE ASSOCIATION SHALL PAY TO THE NEW  YORK  PROPERTY/CASUALTY  INSURANCE
   18  SECURITY  FUND AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO ANY AMOUNTS PAID FROM SUCH FUND TO THE
   19  ASSOCIATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE SEVENTY-SIX  OF
   20  THIS  CHAPTER  AND THIS SECTION WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN REPAID PRIOR TO SUCH
   21  THIRTIETH DAY OF NOVEMBER, TOGETHER WITH ANY INVESTMENT INCOME ATTRIBUT-
   22  ABLE THERETO, AS DETERMINED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, UP TO THE  AMOUNT  OF
   23  SUCH EXCESS. ANY SUCH PAYMENT SHALL BE MADE NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY FIRST
   24  OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
   25    (E) MEMBERS SHALL NOT BE RELIEVED OF THEIR OBLIGATION TO REIMBURSE THE
   26  ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR SHARE OF THE DEFICIT RESULTING FROM THE OPERATIONS
   27  OF THE ASSOCIATION PRIOR TO AUGUST FIRST, NINETEEN HUNDRED SEVENTY-NINE.
   28    (F)  (1)  ANY MEMBER THAT VOLUNTARILY WRITES, AS OF EXPIRATION DATE, A
   29  POLICY OR COVERAGE CURRENTLY  WRITTEN  THROUGH  THE  ASSOCIATION,  SHALL
   30  RECEIVE  CREDIT  AGAINST ITS PARTICIPATION IN ASSOCIATION WRITINGS. SUCH
   31  CREDIT SHALL BE TO THE EXTENT OF TWICE THE NET  DIRECT  PREMIUM,  ON  AN
   32  ANNUAL  BASIS,  OF SUCH POLICY OR COVERAGE VOLUNTARILY WRITTEN AND SHALL
   33  APPLY FOR ONE YEAR.
   34    (2) SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE SUPERINTENDENT, THE  ASSOCIATION  SHALL
   35  DEVELOP  AND  IMPLEMENT  AN INCENTIVE PLAN FOR MEMBERS WHICH VOLUNTARILY
   36  WRITE POLICIES THAT INCLUDE WINDSTORM COVERAGE IN  COASTAL  AREAS.  SUCH
   37  PLAN  SHALL  ALSO  INCLUDE  INCENTIVES  FOR MEMBERS TO VOLUNTARILY WRITE
   38  WRAPAROUND POLICIES, AS DEFINED BY THE ASSOCIATION,  IN  COASTAL  AREAS,
   39  WHEN  SUCH  WRAPAROUND  POLICIES  INCLUDE  COVERAGE  FOR  WINDSTORM ON A
   40  REPLACEMENT COST BASIS IN EXCESS OF THE WINDSTORM COVERAGE CONTAINED  IN
   41  AN  ASSOCIATION  POLICY  ISSUED TO THE SAME POLICYHOLDER. THE PURPOSE OF
   42  THESE INCENTIVES SHALL BE TO ENCOURAGE THE WRITING OF  VOLUNTARY  INSUR-
   43  ANCE  POLICIES  IN  COASTAL  AREAS  BY REDUCING THE PARTICIPATION IN THE
   44  WRITINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THOSE MEMBER COMPANIES WHICH  VOLUNTARILY
   45  WRITE  POLICIES  THAT  INCLUDE WINDSTORM COVERAGE IN SUCH AREAS. FOR THE
   46  PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, COASTAL AREAS INCLUDE: AREAS WITHIN  ONE  MILE
   47  OF  A  SALTWATER OCEAN, SOUND, INLET OR BAY ON LONG ISLAND'S SOUTH SHORE
   48  OR ALONG THE SHORE OF BROOKLYN, QUEENS, STATEN ISLAND AND LONG  ISLAND'S
   49  FORKS; AREAS WITHIN TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED FEET OF A SALTWATER OCEAN,
   50  SOUND, INLET OR BAY ON LONG ISLAND'S NORTH SHORE, THE BRONX OR WESTCHES-
   51  TER.
   52    (3)  THE  ASSOCIATION SHALL OFFER A POLICY FORM WHICH MAY BE USED ONLY
   53  IN CONJUNCTION WITH VOLUNTARY MARKET WRAPAROUND  POLICIES  THAT  PROVIDE
   54  WINDSTORM  COVERAGE IN EXCESS OF AMOUNTS INSURED BY THE ASSOCIATION. THE
   55  POLICY FORM, WHICH  MAY  INCLUDE  BROAD  FORM  COVERAGE,  SHALL  PROVIDE
   56  REPLACEMENT COST COVERAGE FOR DWELLINGS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR REPAIR
       S. 4222                             7
    1  OR  REPLACEMENT  WITHOUT  DEDUCTION FOR DEPRECIATION ON TERMS AND CONDI-
    2  TIONS GENERALLY CONSISTENT WITH  POLICIES  CUSTOMARILY  IN  USE  IN  THE
    3  VOLUNTARY  MARKET  AS MODIFIED TO MAKE THE ASSOCIATION POLICY COMPATIBLE
    4  WITH VOLUNTARY MARKET WRAPAROUND POLICIES. COVERAGE OFFERED BY THE ASSO-
    5  CIATION  UNDER SUCH POLICY SHALL NOT EXCEED SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
    6  FOR DWELLING  COVERAGE  AND  TWO  HUNDRED  FIFTY  THOUSAND  DOLLARS  FOR
    7  PERSONAL  PROPERTY,  AND  SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO COVER ONE TO FOUR FAMILY
    8  OWNER-OCCUPIED DWELLINGS, APARTMENT  UNITS  OR  CONDOMINIUM  UNITS.  THE
    9  ASSOCIATION  MAY  REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF THE PURCHASE
   10  OF FLOOD INSURANCE AS A CONDITION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR COVERAGE UNDER THIS
   11  POLICY. THE ASSOCIATION SHALL FILE THE FORM FOR APPROVAL WITH THE SUPER-
   12  INTENDENT.
   13    S 5455. APPEALS. ANY APPLICANT  TO  THE  ASSOCIATION  AND  ANY  PERSON
   14  INSURED  PURSUANT  TO  THIS  ARTICLE,  OR  THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, OR ANY
   15  AFFECTED INSURER, MAY APPEAL TO THE SUPERINTENDENT  WITHIN  THIRTY  DAYS
   16  AFTER ANY RULING, ACTION OR DECISION BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION,
   17  WITH  RESPECT TO THOSE ITEMS THE PLAN OF OPERATION DEFINES AS APPEALABLE
   18  MATTERS.
   19    S 5456. AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS; IMMUNITY. (A) REPORTS  OF  INSPECTION
   20  PERFORMED  BY  OR  ON  BEHALF  OF  THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO
   21  MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION, APPLICANTS AND THE SUPERINTENDENT.
   22    (B) NO LIABILITY OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL EXIST  AGAINST  THE  ASSOCI-
   23  ATION  OR  ITS  AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES, AN INSURER OR THE SUPERINTENDENT OR
   24  HIS OR HER AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES FOR ANY STATEMENTS  MADE  IN  GOOD
   25  FAITH  BY THEM IN ANY REPORTS OR COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING RISKS INSURED
   26  OR TO BE INSURED BY THE ASSOCIATION OR  AT  ANY  RELATED  ADMINISTRATIVE
   27  HEARINGS.
   28    S  5457.  ANNUAL  STATEMENT. (A) THE ASSOCIATION SHALL ANNUALLY FILE A
   29  STATEMENT IN THE OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY
   30  OF MARCH. SUCH STATEMENT SHALL BE IN A  FORM  APPROVED  BY  AND  CONTAIN
   31  INFORMATION  REQUIRED  BY  THE SUPERINTENDENT WITH RESPECT TO ITS TRANS-
   32  ACTIONS, CONDITION, OPERATIONS AND AFFAIRS DURING THE PRECEDING YEAR.
   33    (B) THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY AT ANY  TIME  REQUIRE  THE  ASSOCIATION  TO
   34  FURNISH  ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION  WHICH  HE  CONSIDERS TO BE MATERIAL IN
   35  EVALUATING THE SCOPE, OPERATION AND EXPERIENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION.
   36    S 5458. EXAMINATIONS. THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTI-
   37  CLE THREE OF THIS CHAPTER, MAKE AN EXAMINATION INTO THE AFFAIRS  OF  THE
   38  ASSOCIATION WHENEVER HE OR SHE DEEMS IT EXPEDIENT. THE EXPENSES OF EVERY
   39  SUCH EXAMINATION SHALL BE BORNE AND PAID BY THE ASSOCIATION.
   40    S  5459.  REIMBURSEMENT FUND. (A) THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL ASSESS EACH
   41  MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION AN AMOUNT SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE  REIMBURSEMENT
   42  PAYMENTS, PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 1223(A)(1) OF THE FEDER-
   43  AL  URBAN PROPERTY PROTECTION AND REINSURANCE ACT OF 1968, TO THE AGENCY
   44  OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTERING THE ACT IN AN  AGGREGATE  AMOUNT
   45  NOT TO EXCEED FIVE PER CENTUM OF THE AGGREGATE PROPERTY INSURANCE PREMI-
   46  UMS  EARNED  IN  THE  STATE  DURING THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR ON THOSE
   47  LINES OF INSURANCE REINSURED UNDER SUCH ACT DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR.
   48    (B) THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF ANY ASSESSMENT ON EACH SUCH MEMBER SHALL BE IN
   49  THE PROPORTION THAT THE PREMIUMS EARNED DURING  THE  PRECEDING  CALENDAR
   50  YEAR  BY  EACH  SUCH MEMBER IN THIS STATE BEAR TO THE AGGREGATE PREMIUMS
   51  EARNED IN THIS STATE DURING THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR ON  THOSE  LINES
   52  OF  INSURANCE REINSURED UNDER THE FEDERAL ACT DURING THE CURRENT YEAR BY
   53  ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION. ASSESSMENTS SHALL  BE  COLLECTIBLE  FROM
   54  ALL  MEMBERS  ON  AND  AFTER  THE FORTY-FIFTH DAY FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF A
   55  CLAIM FROM THE FEDERAL AGENCY.
       S. 4222                             8
    1    (C) THE  SUPERINTENDENT  SHALL  RECEIVE  ALL  ASSESSMENTS  PAYABLE  ON
    2  ACCOUNT OF THE CLAIM OF THE FEDERAL AGENCY AND MAKE ALL DISBURSEMENTS IN
    3  CARRYING OUT THIS SECTION FROM THE RIOT REINSURANCE REVOLVING FUND WHICH
    4  IS  CONTINUED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, RULE OR REGULATION REQUIR-
    5  ING THAT MONEY RECEIVED FOR OR ON BEHALF OF THE STATE SHALL BE PAID INTO
    6  THE  STATE TREASURY, THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL DEPOSIT THE ASSESSMENTS IN
    7  A SEPARATE BANK ACCOUNT OR ACCOUNTS IN A TRUST COMPANY  OR  BANK  HAVING
    8  TRUST  POWERS  WITHIN  THE STATE. ALL DEPOSITS SHALL BE SECURED BY OBLI-
    9  GATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES OR THIS  STATE  AND  ALL  BANKS  AND  TRUST
   10  COMPANIES  ARE  AUTHORIZED TO GIVE THE SAME. THE MONIES OF THE FUND MAY,
   11  AT THE DISCRETION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, BE INVESTED IN  OBLIGATIONS  OF
   12  OR GUARANTEED BY THIS STATE OR THE UNITED STATES. ANY INCOME OR EARNINGS
   13  DERIVED FROM SUCH INVESTMENTS SHALL BE DEPOSITED IN THE FUND.
   14    (D)  THE  MONIES  IN THE FUND SHALL BE PAID ON THE ORDER OF THE SUPER-
   15  INTENDENT SOLELY FOR REIMBURSEMENT PAYMENTS AS  PROVIDED  IN  SUBSECTION
   16  (A)  OF  THIS  SECTION  AFTER ANY INVESTIGATION THE SUPERINTENDENT DEEMS
   17  APPROPRIATE TO VERIFY THE CORRECTNESS OF THE CLAIM. ANY BALANCE  REMAIN-
   18  ING  SHALL  BE  RETAINED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT IN THE FUND AND USED ONLY
   19  FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEETING FUTURE CLAIMS OF THE FEDERAL AGENCY.
   20    (E) THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY AT ANY TIME REQUIRE ANY MEMBER  TO  FURNISH
   21  INFORMATION  HE  OR  SHE  DEEMS NECESSARY TO DETERMINE IF THE MEMBER HAS
   22  COMPLIED WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION.
   23    (F) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL HAVE THE POWER AND AUTHORITY  TO  AUDIT  THE
   24  ACCRUALS,  THE  RECEIPTS, THE PAYMENTS AND THE EXPENDITURE OF ALL MONIES
   25  OF THE FUND.
   26    S 5460. ADDITIONAL POWERS OF THE ASSOCIATION.  (A)  AS  USED  IN  THIS
   27  ARTICLE:
   28    (1)   "COMMERCIAL  RISK  INSURANCE",  "PUBLIC  ENTITY  INSURANCE"  AND
   29  "PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE" HAVE THE MEANINGS ASCRIBED TO THEM BY
   30  SECTION ONE HUNDRED SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER,  EXCEPT  THAT  MOTOR  VEHICLE
   31  INSURANCE  AND MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LIABILITY INSURANCE ARE EXCLUDED FROM
   32  SUCH MEANINGS FOR PURPOSES OF THIS ARTICLE;
   33    (2) "MARKET" MEANS A LINE, SUBLINE OR  CLASSIFICATION  (OTHER  THAN  A
   34  CLASSIFICATION  DELINEATED  BY GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION) OF PROPERTY/CASUALTY
   35  INSURANCE NOT SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (B) OF SECTION  TWO  THOUSAND  THREE
   36  HUNDRED FIVE, SECTION TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-EIGHT OR SECTION
   37  THREE  THOUSAND  FOUR  HUNDRED  TWENTY-FIVE  OF  THIS CHAPTER. PROVIDED,
   38  HOWEVER, A "MARKET" SHALL ALSO INCLUDE HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE  AS  DEFINED
   39  IN  SUBSECTION  (F)  OF SECTION FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY OF THIS
   40  ARTICLE. A "MARKET" SHALL ALSO INCLUDE MANDATORY  MINIMUM  SURETY  BONDS
   41  REQUIRED  PURSUANT  TO SECTION TWO HUNDRED FIFTY-EIGHT-B OF THE AGRICUL-
   42  TURE AND MARKETS LAW.
   43    (B) THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BEGIN, OR RESUME AFTER ANY  SUSPENSION,  ITS
   44  INSURANCE  UNDERWRITING  OPERATIONS FOR ANY MARKET ONLY AFTER THE SUPER-
   45  INTENDENT HAS DETERMINED AFTER A HEARING ON A RECORD THAT IT  IS  NECES-
   46  SARY,  DUE  TO  UNAVAILABILITY  OF  MEANINGFUL  COVERAGE IN A PARTICULAR
   47  VOLUNTARY MARKET, TO ACTIVATE THE ASSOCIATION TO WRITE COVERAGE FOR SUCH
   48  MARKET.  IN  MAKING  A  DETERMINATION  OF  NECESSITY  PURSUANT  TO  THIS
   49  SUBSECTION,  THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY CONSIDER SUCH FACTORS AS: THE EXTENT
   50  AND NATURE OF COMPETITION; SIZE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COVERAGE; AVAIL-
   51  ABILITY OF ADEQUATE LIMITS OF COVERAGE; EFFICACY OF ANY  MARKET  ASSIST-
   52  ANCE PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMIT-
   53  ED TO ACTUAL PLACEMENT OF COVERAGE THROUGH A VOLUNTARY MARKET ASSISTANCE
   54  PROGRAM AT THE TIME SUCH DETERMINATION IS TO BE MADE; REINSURANCE AVAIL-
   55  ABILITY;  EXTENT  OF  CONSUMER COMPLAINTS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL
   56  SERVICES; EXTENT OF DENIALS AND  RESTRICTIONS  OF  COVERAGE;  VOLUME  OF
       S. 4222                             9
    1  CANCELLATIONS  AND  NONRENEWALS; OR CHANGING CONDITIONS IN THE ECONOMIC,
    2  JUDICIAL AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT. IF, AFTER ACTIVATING THE ASSOCIATION IN
    3  REGARD TO A PARTICULAR MARKET, THE SUPERINTENDENT DETERMINES THAT  READY
    4  AVAILABILITY  OF  MEANINGFUL  COVERAGE IN SUCH VOLUNTARY MARKET HAS BEEN
    5  RESTORED, THE ASSOCIATION SHALL THEREUPON SUSPEND  ITS  UNDERWRITING  IN
    6  REGARD  TO  SUCH MARKET. THE SUPERINTENDENT SHALL, NO LATER THAN OCTOBER
    7  FIRST, NINETEEN HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX, ACTIVATE THE  ASSOCIATION  TO  WRITE
    8  PARTICULAR  MARKETS IN REGARD TO PUBLIC ENTITIES, UNLESS THE SUPERINTEN-
    9  DENT DETERMINES THAT ACTIVATION IS UNNECESSARY BECAUSE  PUBLIC  ENTITIES
   10  ARE  ABLE  TO SECURE MEANINGFUL COVERAGE IN VOLUNTARY MARKETS, INCLUDING
   11  THROUGH ANY MARKET ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ADMINISTERED  BY  THE  SUPERINTEN-
   12  DENT.
   13    (C)  THE  DIRECTORS  OF  THE  ASSOCIATION, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE
   14  SUPERINTENDENT, SHALL FORTHWITH PREPARE A PLAN OF OPERATION, SUBJECT  TO
   15  APPROVAL  BY THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO SHALL ACT EXPEDITIOUSLY THEREON, AND
   16  THE DIRECTORS SHALL TAKE ALL OTHER NECESSARY  STEPS  ON  AND  AFTER  THE
   17  EFFECTIVE  DATE  OF THIS SECTION TO PREPARE FOR PROMPT IMPLEMENTATION OF
   18  THE ASSOCIATION'S POWERS IN THE EVENT THAT ANY MARKET  IS  ACTIVATED  BY
   19  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  PURSUANT  TO  SUBSECTION  (B)  OF THIS SECTION. THE
   20  DIRECTORS OF THE ASSOCIATION MAY, ON THEIR  OWN  INITIATIVE  OR  AT  THE
   21  REQUEST OF THE SUPERINTENDENT, AMEND THE PLAN SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE
   22  SUPERINTENDENT.  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  MAY DIRECT THAT THE PLAN OF OPERA-
   23  TION, OR AMENDMENTS TO SUCH PLAN,  SHALL  INCLUDE  SPECIFIED  LIMITS  OF
   24  COVERAGE FOR PARTICULAR MARKETS ACTIVATED.
   25    (D)  UPON  ACTIVATION  BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF ANY MARKET PURSUANT TO
   26  SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, ALL INSURERS (EXCLUDING ASSESSMENT COOP-
   27  ERATIVE FIRE INSURERS) AUTHORIZED TO WRITE AND ENGAGED IN WRITING  ON  A
   28  DIRECT BASIS WITHIN THIS STATE COMMERCIAL RISK, PUBLIC ENTITY OR PROFES-
   29  SIONAL  LIABILITY  INSURANCE,  INCLUDING COMMERCIAL MULTIPLE PERIL POLI-
   30  CIES, SHALL PARTICIPATE AS MEMBERS IN THE ASSOCIATION. EVERY SUCH INSUR-
   31  ER SHALL BE AND REMAIN A MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION AS A CONDITION OF ITS
   32  AUTHORITY TO CONTINUE TO TRANSACT SUCH INSURANCE IN THIS STATE. IN ADDI-
   33  TION TO THE CREDIT PROVIDED PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (F) OF  SECTION  FIVE
   34  THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR OF THIS ARTICLE, THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY
   35  BY  REGULATION  PROVIDE  FOR  ADDITIONAL  CREDITS  TO SUCH INSURERS THAT
   36  VOLUNTARILY PROVIDE A MARKET FOR THOSE  RISKS  THAT  THE  SUPERINTENDENT
   37  DETERMINES TO BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO PLACE IN THE VOLUNTARY MARKET.
   38    (E)  THE ASSOCIATION SHALL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MARKET ACTIVATED BY THE
   39  SUPERINTENDENT PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION ISSUE POLICIES
   40  IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ASSOCIATION'S PLAN OF OPERATION, AND SHALL  MAIN-
   41  TAIN  SEPARATE  ACCOUNTS  AND RECORDS FOR PREMIUMS, LOSSES, EXPENSES AND
   42  INVESTMENT INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO SUCH INSURANCE. ASSESSMENTS OF  INSUR-
   43  ERS  FOR  EXPENSES  AND ANY LOSSES OF THE ASSOCIATION IN CONNECTION WITH
   44  SUCH INSURANCE SHALL BE  BASED  ON  AN  INSURER'S  NET  DIRECT  PREMIUMS
   45  ATTRIBUTABLE  TO  THE  TYPES OF INSURANCE SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTION (A) OF
   46  THIS SECTION. RATES SHALL BE BASED UPON LOSS AND EXPENSE  EXPERIENCE  OF
   47  THE  RISKS INSURED BY THE ASSOCIATION PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND SHALL
   48  BE ON AN ACTUARIALLY SOUND BASIS, CALCULATED TO  BE  SELF-SUPPORTING  AT
   49  THE LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES CONSISTENT WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF SOLVENCY OF
   50  THE  ASSOCIATION  AND  OF  REASONABLE  RESERVES,  SURPLUS  AND EXPENSES,
   51  INCLUDING COMMISSIONS. THE PROVISIONS OF SUBSECTION (D) OF SECTION  FIVE
   52  THOUSAND  FOUR  HUNDRED  FIFTY-FOUR  OF  THIS ARTICLE SHALL NOT APPLY TO
   53  INSURANCE WRITTEN PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION.
   54    (F) THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY ALSO ACTIVATE THE ASSOCIATION FOR  PURPOSES
   55  OF  PROVIDING  EXCESS OR UMBRELLA COVERAGES IN CONNECTION WITH A MARKET.
       S. 4222                            10
    1  HAZARDS THAT THE SUPERINTENDENT  DETERMINES  ARE  UNINSURABLE  SHALL  BE
    2  EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGES WHICH THE ASSOCIATION IS REQUIRED TO FURNISH.
    3    S  2.  Paragraph  3 of subsection (d) of section 7603 of the insurance
    4  law is amended to read as follows:
    5    (3) The superintendent is authorized to use the income earned  on  the
    6  moneys of the fund to offset the deficit of the New York property insur-
    7  ance  underwriting  association  in  accordance  with  subsection (d) of
    8  section five thousand four hundred five of this chapter  AND  SUBSECTION
    9  (D)  OF  SECTION  FIVE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR OF THIS CHAPTER,
   10  provided that any income earned on the moneys of the fund which  in  any
   11  one year exceeds fifteen million dollars or which the superintendent has
   12  not  utilized  for  the purposes of such subsection shall be credited to
   13  the corpus of the fund until the superintendent determines that its  net
   14  value  is  two  hundred  forty  million dollars, and thereafter shall be
   15  credited, upon certification by the superintendent to the  commissioner,
   16  to the general fund of the state treasury.
   17    S 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
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