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Understanding Surplus Lines: A Primer for State Legislators

Understanding the surplus lines market is essential to understanding how insurance markets adapt to emerging and hard-to-place risks. In this on-demand discussion presented by The Institutes Griffith Foundation, leading academic, regulatory, and industry leaders explore the history, evolution, and critical role of surplus lines insurance as a release valve for the admitted market.

Moderated by Frank Paul Tomasello, Executive Director of The Institutes Griffith Foundation, this primer was developed specifically for state lawmakers seeking either an introduction to or a refresher on the surplus lines marketplace and its impact on insurance availability and innovation. 

Featured speakers include:

  • Dr. Brad Karl, Florida State University

  • Allan L. McVey, West Virginia Insurance Commissioner

  • Mark Shealy, Florida Surplus Lines Service Office (FSLSO)

In keeping with the mission of The Institutes Griffith Foundation, this on-demand session is purely instructional in nature and does not support a position on any issues.

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ON-DEMAND DISCUSSIONS

Insurance Insights: Senator Paul Utke

The most recent edition of Insurance Insights features discussion with Sen. Paul Utke, Minnesota State Senator and 2026 President of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL). During the conversation, Sen. Utke shares his perspective on insurance affordability and availability as key challenges facing policymakers, discusses the opportunities and concerns surrounding AI including innovation, consumer protection, and the role of state-based regulation, and offers insight into the value of collaboration through NCOIL in developing model legislation and addressing emerging insurance issues.

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ON-DEMAND DISCUSSIONS

Insurance Insights: Scott White

Do not miss this engaging conversation with the Honorable Scott A. White, Virginia Insurance Commissioner, and newly elected President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

In this edition of "Insurance Insights," Commissioner White delivers candid comments on the insurance landscape's biggest challenges from 2025, reveals priorities and emerging opportunities for 2026, and explains how the NAIC engages with insurance regulators and others across America's state-based system.

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  • "The Institutes Griffith Foundation provides insightful programming to all regulators who would like a nonpartisan, up-to-date perspective of the insurance industry. Griffith and its dedicated staff can benefit regulatory professionals, both new and seasoned. They bring important voices to the table to offer a meaningful conversation that leads to positive change for the industry."

    Jon Godfread, North Dakota Insurance Commissioner and NAIC President 2025

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    William Melofchik, NCOIL Chief Executive Officer

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    Andrew N. Mais, Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner, NAIC Most Recent Past President 

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    Jeff Czajkowski, Director of the NAIC’s CIPR

  • “NCOIL is proud of our decades long collaborative relationship with the Institutes Griffith Insurance Education Foundation, which focuses on providing lawmakers with additional, supplemental education to enhance their ability to make informed policy decisions. Griffith provides webinars, lunch-&-learns, and educational workshops to serve our members in the way most convenient to them.” 

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    Rep. Matt Lehman, Indiana House Majority Leader, Past President of NCOIL

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