Bill > A02528

This bill establishes expedited legal procedures for insurance claims related to property damage in counties where the governor has declared a state disaster emergency. Specifically, the bill introduces three new court rules that streamline the legal process: first, a mandatory preliminary conference must be held within 30 days of filing a judicial intervention request, where all parties must appear in person or by counsel, with the option for telephonic or video conference attendance. Second, a mandatory settlement conference must occur within 14 days of filing a note of issue to discuss insurance claims. Third, all pre-trial motions in these disaster-related insurance actions must be filed within 30 days after the note of issue is filed. The bill also mandates that discovery be completed within 60 days of the preliminary conference, with potential penalties for non-compliance, though courts can extend this period for good cause. Additionally, the bill adds a new category to existing legal rules to specifically address actions recovering damages from property damage caused by natural disasters. These provisions aim to provide faster resolution and more efficient legal processes for insurance claims arising from state-declared disaster emergencies.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2528