Regulatory Updates

Effective January 1, 2026, Louisiana will be updating fees for the following applications for both Resident and Nonresident Insurance Producers, Claim Adjuster, and Public Adjuster license classes:  - Initial - Renewal - Amendment  Louisiana is also updating the Individual Appointment fee. Please see the attachment for more information.

On October 30, 2025, FINRA posted an update regarding Broker-Dealer, Investment Adviser Firm, Agent and Investment Adviser Representative, and Branch Renewals for 2026.

FINRA's Renewal Program facilitates the collection and disbursement of fees for broker-dealer (BD) and investment adviser (IA) registrations, exempt reporting, and notice filings with participating self-regulatory organizations (SROs) and jurisdictions. The program operates through two key statements: **Preliminary Statement** (November 2025): Outlines initial renewal fees **Final Statement** (January 2026): Confirms or reconciles actual fees due after January 1, 2026

For more information on FINRA's Renewal Program, visit https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/notices/25-14

October 28, 2025, Florida’s Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO) issued a notice regarding the following surplus lines insurers being added as an Authorized Surplus Lines carrier. - Auros Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (NAIC #17642) 

Posted October 24, 2025, Alabama posted a bulletin advising Alabama licensed surplus line brokers and non-admitted carriers writing in Alabama that, effective January 1, 2026, all policies shall be reported to the Alabama Department of Insurance using the SLIP+ for States platform. Please see the attachment for more information.

Effective September 26, 2025, Illinois updated its language for rules around renewing resident and nonresident certifications.  - Navigator, in-person counselor, certified application counselor, and certified application counselor organization certification will be valid through October 31 of the plan year for which the certificate holder completed the curriculum

- A certification may be renewed unless: - It is suspended, revoked, or nonrenewed; or - The certificate holder requests to cancel the certification.

- For certificates to perform navigator, certified application counselor, or in-person counselor activities in a State-based Exchange, an applicant or certificate holder must: - Visit  and register for the Get Covered Illinois Learning Management System (GCILMS) application; and - Successfully complete the Director-approved training modules prescribed in GCILMS for the applicable certification 

Posted October 23, 2025, Delaware posted a Bulletin reminding Surplus Lines Brokers that they are required to submit timely and accurate payments of surplus lines premium taxes to the Department. Please see the attachment for more information. 

Idaho releases its October newsletter. Some highlights are: - **NAIC Western Zone Meeting:** - Idaho hosted insurance commissioners from 14 states and 3 territories for discussions on catastrophe modeling, disaster response, health exchanges, pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) regulation, and other shared issues. - **2026 Health Insurance Rates Published:** - The DOI released proposed 2026 premium rates for individual and small group health plans, available on the DOI website. - **Medicare Open Enrollment Advisory:** - The DOI urged beneficiaries to review plans carefully amid national changes to Medicare Advantage offerings due to higher costs and regulatory shifts. Open enrollment runs October 15–December 7, 2025. - **Spanish-Language Licensing Exams:** - As of July 27, 2025, Pearson Vue offers the Idaho resident insurance licensing exam in Spanish to improve accessibility for producers. Please see the attachment for more information.

Maryland releases its October newsletter. Some highlights are:

- Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Disability Employment Awareness Month - Hispanic Heritage Month - Medicare Open Enrollment: Runs Oct. 15 – Dec. 7; compare plans at Medicare.gov. - Upcoming Daylight Saving Reminder Please see the attachment for more information.

Effective January 1, 2026**, **Kentucky company appointment renewals will be created, with invoices available for payment from January 7, 2026, through June 30, 2026. The termination deadline is December 31, 2025.

Effective October 2, 2025, Georgia updated language for residents and nonresidents for ‘Georgia Access Specialists’ licensing.  - Deleted Sircon registration requirement for Georgia Access Specialists. - Each principal office of an agency must obtain an agency license before beginning operations. An agency with multiple locations in Georgia must designate one location as a principal office. - ~~An agency with multiple locations in Georgia must designate one location as a principal office.~~ - ~~All other locations of the agency are considered to be branch offices. ~~