Legislative Issues and Testimonials

House Bill 652 – Increasing the Notice Period for Non-Renewals | Testimony by Nick Bertke, EVP Commercial & Carrier Relations at Marsh McLennan Agency

OIA is actively supporting House Bill 652, which would extend the non-renewal notice period for most commercial lines from 30 to 60 days and would establish a 60-day notice requirement for homeowner’s insurance. In 2025, The National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) adopted a model resolution encouraging states to increase their notice period to 60 days. Both Georgia and Texas recently passed laws that increased their notice period of non-renewal of HO policies from 30 to 60 days. OIA is proud to support House Bill 652 as it will strengthen market stability, help prevent gaps in coverage, and give agents time to secure the best possible coverage for both consumers and businesses.

House Bill 678 – Online Verification System for Auto Insurance | Testimony by Jeff Smith, CEO of OIA

OIA is advocating for House Bill 678, which would create an online verification system for auto insurance. Ohio has as estimated uninsured motorist rate of 18.5% with no system in place to check and enforce Ohio’s financial responsibility laws. House Bill 678 would create a real-time verification system that the BMV could utilize at the time of vehicle registration to ensure that drivers are insured. It is a privilege to drive and that privilege comes with certain conditions. OIA will continue to push for this common-sense initiative.

Senate Bill 64 – Storm Scammers | Testimony by Brent Phelan, Owner of Phelan Insurance

OIA supported Senate Bill 64 sponsored by Senators Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) and George Lang (R-West Chester) to enact commonsense consumer protections that will safeguard Ohioans from unscrupulous residential roofing contractors. Notably, numerous states have laws in place (including several of our neighboring states) to regulate roofing contractors. S.B. 64 takes a balanced approach that establishes essential consumer protections without hindering legitimate businesses. The intent of the legislation is to protect consumers from “storm scammers” who often fail to complete work and deceive consumers about their need for unnecessary repairs when they are highly vulnerable following severe weather events.

Senate Bill 115 – Certificates of Insurance | Testimony by Bill Bishop, Owner of Associated Insurance Agencies

OIA supported Senate Bill 115, which establishes a section in the Ohio Revised Code on certificates of insurance that makes it expressly illegal to demand or issue a false or misleading certificate of insurance. Certificates of insurance can create many challenges for insurance agencies and our clients. In addition to the time and expertise we spend on complying with certificate requests, we have also experienced some instances where businesses have made questionable demands and other agents have acquiesced to providing questionable information on certificates of insurance.