Legislative Updates - January 20, 2026

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Alabama
Liability Insurance – Data Call
On January 16, 2026, the Alabama Department of Insurance has released its most recent data call report, the Alabama Liability Insurance Coverage Data Call. The data call allows the Department to analyze the impact of liability insurance coverage on insurance claims cost. The Department asked insurance companies writing the following lines of insurance to respond to the data call.

• Private passenger auto liability
• Commercial auto liability
• Medical professional liability
• Other professional liability

Alabama
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began November 25, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Baldwin, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Escambia, Geneva, Henry, Lowndes, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Russell, Wilcox in Alabama; Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton

Alabama
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began September 23, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Baldwin, Barbour, Bibb, Butler, Chambers, Chilton, Clarke, Coffee, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Dale, Escambia, Fayette, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lamar, Lee, Macon, Monroe, Perry, Pike, Pickens, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Wilcox

Alaska
Disaster Assistance
On January 15, 2026, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued a Press Release, announcing that it was mobilizing resources to assist businesses and employees affected by severe winter weather disruptions. Workers who have lost hours or jobs due to closures can access job placement services through Alaska Job Centers, including help with résumés, interview preparation and job referrals. Some may qualify for relocation assistance, career retraining or support with health insurance continuation and housing costs. Those meeting eligibility requirements can also apply for unemployment insurance benefits.  

Arizona
Disaster Assistance
On January 15, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by flooding and heavy rains that occurred September 25, 2025 – October 13, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Coconino, Gila, Graham, Maricopa, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai

Arkansas
Disaster Assistance
On January 13, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began August 19, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Arkansas, Baxter, Boone, Bradley, Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Cleveland, Craighead, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Fulton, Grant, Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Monroe, Perry, Phillips, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Searcy, Sharp, St. Francis, Stone, Van Buren, White, Woodruff

California
Workplace Poster
The State of California has updated its Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act: Paid Sick Leave workplace poster. The poster can be obtained here.

Colorado
Workplace Notice
The State of Colorado has made available its updated Family and Medical Leave Insurance – FAMLI Program Notice. Click here to access the notice.

Colorado
Family and Medical Leave
By February 28, 2026, all employers with Colorado employees must update their Annual Total Employee Headcount for 2026 in My FAMLI+ Employer, including employers with approved private plans. There is a reminder in your portal messaging center with instructions to help complete this task. If no update is submitted by February 28, 2026, employers will pay the full 2026 premium rate (.88%) for all employees. 

• Opted-out local governments are the only exception 
• Headcount is not carried over from the prior year 
• Headcount includes all payroll employees nationwide who worked 20 or more calendar workweeks in 2025, regardless of full-time or part-time status
• Contribution structures between employers and employees remain unchanged 

Delaware
Medicare
On January 12, 2026, the Delaware Department of Insurance issued Domestic and Foreign Insurers Bulletin 164 and Producer and Adjuster Bulletin 40. The Bulletin clarifies that:

• Under the “birthday rule,” existing Medicare supplement policyholders can switch to a different policy with equal or lesser benefits during a 60-day window around their birthday each year and that insurers cannot deny coverage or require medical underwriting during this period, though they may adjust premiums at renewal
• Individuals have the ability to switch from Medicare Advantage plans back to original Medicare during federal enrollment periods
• Insurers must clearly explain the new rights
• Insurance agents must receive training on the new regulations

Florida
Property Insurance
On January 12, 2026, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced insurance rate relief for Florida homeowners, as Citizens Property Insurance policyholders across the state will see premium reductions beginning in spring 2026 at policy renewal. Under the approved rates, the majority of Citizens policyholders will receive a premium decrease, with a statewide average reduction of 8.7%. Over 330,000 policyholders across all 67 counties will see rate decreases and more than 150,000 policyholders will receive reductions of 10% or greater.

South Florida, which experienced some of the highest litigation-driven insurance costs in the state, will see the largest reductions. 

• Broward County: Approximately 27,000 homes with an average reduction of 14.1%
• Miami-Dade County: Approximately 42,000 homes with an average reduction of 14.0%
• Palm Beach County: Approximately 26,000 homes with an average reduction of 11.9%
• Monroe County: More than 1,000 homeowners will see an average reduction of 11.3% and over 8,000 wind-only policies will experience a reduction or no      increase 

Florida
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began October 14, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Bay, Calhoun, Gadsden, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton, Washington

Georgia
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began September 23, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Baker, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Butts, Calhoun, Camden, Carroll, Charlton, Cherokee, Clay, Clayton, Clinch, Cobb, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Coweta, Crisp, Decatur, DeKalb, Dougherty, Douglas, Early, Echols, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Glynn, Grady, Gwinnett, Harris, Heard, Henry, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Lamar, Lanier, Lee, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Meriwether, Miller, Mitchell, Muscogee, Newton, Paulding, Pierce, Pike, Randolph, Rockdale, Seminole, Spalding, Sumter, Talbot, Tattnall, Telfair, Terrell, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Troup, Turner, Upson, Ware, Wayne, Worth

Georgia
Mental Health Parity – Fines
On January 12, 2026, John King, Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner announced that his office will fine insurance companies for violating Georgia’s Mental Health Parity laws. Companies are required to develop corrective action plans in conjunction with the OCI to bring them into compliance with mental health parity laws. If a company does not comply with their corrective action plan, they may be subject to additional enforcement measures.

Idaho
Disaster Assistance
On January 13, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began August 19, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Bannock, Bingham, Blaine, Bonneville, Butte, Camas, Caribou, Elmore, Gooding, Jefferson, Lincoln, Power

Illinois
Criminal Records
On January 16, 2026, Gov. JB Pritzker signed IL H.B. 1836 the Clean Slate Act. The measure effectively seals certain criminal records (violent crimes, sex offenses requiring registration and certain drug trafficking charges) without requiring individuals to file petitions. Under the law, employers conducting routine screenings will no longer see arrests that didn’t lead to convictions, as well as many misdemeanor and felony convictions after waiting periods expire. Employers in regulated industries may retain access where federal or state laws specifically require criminal background checks.

Indiana
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began September 30, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Adams, Allen, Blackford, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Dekalb, Delaware, Fulton, Grant, Hamilton, Henry, Howard, Huntington, Jay, Kosciusko, Madison, Miami, Noble, Pulaski, Randolph, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Wabash, Wayne, Wells, White, Whitley

Indiana
Tax Forms
On January 12, 2026, the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) reminded employers to never change any part of any tax form issued by the DOR. This includes the year, as the intended information will not be applied. Individuals and employers must download and use the correct year’s forms from the DOR’s website or through their software provider.

Changing forms may result in unexpected/mistakenly issued refunds or bills that could incur interest and/or fees.  The forms can be found here in Individual and Corporate/ Partnerships.

Kansas
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded private nonprofit organizations of the February 17, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage caused by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding that occurred July 17, 2025 – July 22, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Barton, Comanche, Edwards, Hodgeman, Logan, Morris, Ottawa, Rawlins, Saline, Stevens, Sumner, Wyandotte

Maine
Paid Family and Medical Leave
On January 14, 2026, the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program updated its frequently asked questions (FAQ) document for employers on three topics:  

• Question 13 - clarifying that an employer that offers PTO time must allow an employee, at the employee’s choice, to use this option to bring them to an approximate amount they were earning before taking leave
• Questions 15 and 16 - taxability of PFML benefits
• Question 78 - Maine PFML and PTO

Maine
Worker Surveillance
Effective immediately, the Maine Act to Regulate Employer Surveillance to Protect Workers requires employers to: 

• Notify employees before beginning surveillance and provide written notice at least once per calendar year
• Notify prospective employees during interviews that the employer engages in surveillance

The Act also prohibits employers from using audiovisual monitoring in employee residences and personal vehicles unless required for job duties. ME H.B. 25

Maryland
Disaster Response
On January 15, 2026, the Maryland Insurance Administration issued Bulletin 26-1 requiring insurers to submit updated contact information for disaster preparedness by April 15, 2026. The bulletin directs the insurance companies to designate primary and backup contacts available during evenings and weekends and who can field questions about disaster response capabilities. Insurers must also identify separate leads for their disaster assistance plans, business continuity operations and pandemic preparedness that includes work addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

Maryland
City of Baltimore
Effective January 10, 2026, employers engaged in any business in the City of Baltimore with two or more full-time employees are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees who are pregnant, recovering from pregnancy or have a pregnancy-related condition.

The ordinance requires a written policy, employee notice and recordkeeping. It also includes retaliation protections and imposes civil penalties for violations. ORD. 25-0051 Subtitle 20

Michigan
Health Insurance Coverage
On January 13, 2026, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services issued Bulletin 2026-02-INS to inform health insurers of the adjustment to the co-pay and coinsurance cap for orally administered antineoplastic medication in accordance with MCL 500.3406ff (1)(b). Under the law, the Department must adjust the co-pay and coinsurance cap on an annual basis by the amount determined by the state treasurer to reflect the cumulative annual change in the prescription drug index of the medical care component of the United States Consumer Price Index. This bulletin informs insurers, employers and insurance producers that the state treasurer has determined the adjustment for calendar year 2026 to be $254.75.

Michigan
Artificial Intelligence
On January 14, 2026, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services issued Bulletin 2026-03-BT/CF/CU requiring financial companies to develop formal “AI Systems Programs” with detailed governance structures, risk management controls and audit functions designed to prevent discriminatory or inaccurate outcomes for consumers.

Mississippi
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began August 26, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Alcorn, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Clay, Coahoma, DeSoto, Grenada, Itawamba, Kemper, Lafayette, Leflore, Lowndes, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Sunflower, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, Webster, Winston, Yalobusha

Mississippi
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began October 7, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Attala, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Grenada, Holmes, Leflore, Montgomery, Oktibbeha, Webster

Missouri
Disaster Assistance
On January 13, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began September 9, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Barry, Barton, Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Iron, Laclede, Lawrence, Madison, McDonald, Newton, Oregon, Ozark, Polk, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Clair, Shannon, Stoddard, Stone, Taney, Texas, Vernon, Wayne, Webster

Montana
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations of the February 17, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began June 10, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Cascade, Chouteau, Flathead, Glacier, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Liberty, Lincoln, Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Sanders, Teton, Toole

New Jersey
Workers’ Compensation
On January 12, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ S.B. 3772 updating how workers’ compensation benefits are calculated when employers provide housing and meals to employees. The current law, which values employer-provided board and lodging at $25 per week, would be replaced with a market-value approach (cost if the employee had to pay for board and lodging themselves.)

The measure offers an exception for injured workers who continue receiving housing and meals from their employer during a period of total temporary disability. These benefits are not counted when calculating their compensation rate. This provision safeguards against situations where ongoing housing assistance might inadvertently reduce the cash benefits owed to disabled workers.

New Jersey
Medical Marijuana
On January 12, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ A.B. 913 expanding the list of medical conditions that qualify a patient for the medical use of cannabis to include sickle cell anemia.

New Jersey
Family Leave Act
On January 17, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ A.B. 3451 amending the New Jersey Family Leave Act to include employees that work for an employer with 15 or more employees (previously 30) that have been employed for at least three months and have worked 250 hours in the preceding three months. The legislation also provides additional job protections to employees who utilize Temporary Disability Insurance benefits (TDI), requiring that employees be restored to their position or a position of equivalent seniority, pay and benefits upon their return. 

New York
New York City
Effective January 3, 2026, the City of New York amends its building code requiring applicants for site safety training cards to complete two credits focused on mental health and wellness, suicide risk and prevention and alcohol and substance misuse. The requirement applies to both standard site safety training cards and supervisor cards.

In addition, the legislation introduces a grace period for card renewals. Workers can now renew their safety training cards up to one year after expiration, provided they complete the required credits within that timeframe and submit their renewal application. NYC Int 1384-2025

Ohio
E-Verify - Nonresidential Construction  
Effective March 19, 2026, Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act requires nonresidential construction contractors, subcontractors and labor brokers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of each employee hired to perform work on a nonresidential construction project through E-Verify. OH H.B. 246

Ohio
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began September 30, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Marion, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, Wyandot in Ohio; Adams, Allen, Dekalb, Jay, Steuben

Oklahoma
Disaster Assistance
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began November 11, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Beckham, Caddo, Comanche, Cotton, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Tillman, Washita

Tennessee
Disaster Assistance
On January 16, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began September 16, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Chester, Decatur, Hardin, Henderson, McNairy, Wayne

Texas
Insurance Refunds
On January 12, 2026, the Texas Department of Insurance issued Adoption Order 2026-9730 requiring insurers to refund the full amount of unused premiums when auto and home insurance policies are canceled early. The regulations prohibit “short rate” provisions that let insurers retain part of the unearned premium as a penalty when customers cancel before their policy term ends. Instead, companies must calculate refunds proportionally based on the exact number of days coverage was in force. Under the updated rules, insurers must issue refunds within 15 business days of cancellation.

Washington
Disaster Assistance
On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began August 12, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Benton, Franklin, Grant, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Klickitat, Mason, Pierce, Snohomish, Walla Walla, Yakima

Wyoming
Workplace Posters
On January 16, 2026, the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reminded employers that required labor law posters are available free of charge at all 18 Workforce Centers across the state. The posters provide essential information and are required to be displayed in workplaces. Employers can also access a printable version online at dws.wyo. gov/laborlaws.

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The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes and to provide a general understanding of regulatory events and legislative change – not to provide specific legal advice. Employers are advised to discuss and/or receive counsel from their licensed legal, insurance  or accounting professional, prior to implementing any new policy or policy change.

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