New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1955

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts state laws related to insurance by ensuring that no local or state governmental authority can terminate or limit insurance policies solely on the basis of the insured's involvement with cannabis-related activities. This measure is expected to promote a more stable insurance market within the cannabis sector and reduce the liability risks associated with insuring cannabis businesses. Ultimately, it is anticipated that these changes will facilitate better access to insurance coverage for cannabis businesses in New Jersey.

Summary

Senate Bill S1955 aims to create certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in the business of insurance related to cannabis-related businesses. The legislation acknowledges the growing cannabis market and addresses the barriers insurers face when considering coverage for these businesses. By creating a framework that prohibits state and local agencies from discouraging or penalizing insurers involved with cannabis operations, the bill seeks to encourage participation in this emerging industry.

Contention

Despite the protective measures introduced in S1955, the bill is not without contention. Critics may argue that providing blanket immunity to insurers and removing the ability for local governments to regulate could lead to an unregulated insurance landscape that lacks accountability. Additionally, there may be concerns about the overall implications of integrating cannabis businesses into the broader economy, including the potential increase in illegal activities or disreputable business practices under the guise of legitimate operations.

Companion Bills

NJ A453

Same As Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

NJ A389

Carry Over Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

NJ S3239

Carry Over Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3239

Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

NJ A389

Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

NJ A453

Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

NJ SB170

Title Insurance – Insurers and Insurance Producers – Requirements

NJ HB06590

An Act Prohibiting Certain Insurance Discrimination And Establishing A Task Force To Study Insurance Costs Borne By Businesses Located In Distressed Municipalities.

NJ S2945

Concerns economic incentives for certain cannabis businesses.

NJ A4392

Concerns economic incentives for certain cannabis businesses.

NJ S2281

Authorizes cannabis cultivation on land receiving farmland assessment; technical assistance for cannabis businesses; and economic incentives to certain businesses operating in impact zones.

NJ S2845

Authorizes cannabis cultivation on land receiving farmland assessment; technical assistance for cannabis businesses; and economic incentives to certain businesses operating in impact zones.

NJ S2698

Protects financial institutions and insurers doing business with cannabis industry from being penalized by State regulators.

Similar Bills

CA AB75

Residential property insurance images.

IA HF651

A bill for an act relating to the ownership of dogs, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 152.)

CA SB260

Unmanned aircraft.

NJ S3239

Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

HI HB2013

Relating To Insurance.

NJ A453

Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

NJ A389

Creates certain protections for insurers and insurance producers engaging in business of insurance in connection with cannabis-related businesses.

CA AB487

Insurance.