PIA-Priority Legislation Signed: A Win for Independent Agents & Consumers
On April 8th, Governor Tony Evers signed PIA-priority Senate Bill 531 into law as 2025 Wisconsin Act 260. This legislation, brought to the forefront by PIA’s Ken Werner Jr., marks a significant step forward in addressing post-loss Assignment of Benefits (AOB) contracts.
From Priority Issue to New Law
Wisconsin Act 260, authored by Senator Mary Felzkowski (R – Tomahawk) and Rep. Calvin Callahan (R – Tomahawk), establishes reasonable guardrails around AOB agreements, helping preserve the integrity of insurance contracts while protecting consumers from abusive or misleading practices by storm chasers.
This issue has become an increasing concern for agents, insurers, and policyholders alike. Storm chasing contractors abusing these contracts has led to legislation across the country either banning the practice entirely or to increasing regulations, like Act 260, to protect consumers and the marketplace from inflated claims.
Ken receives his pen from Governor Evers at the bill signing on April 8th.
Ken Werner Jr., CIC of Werner Insurance Advisors saw this practice starting to emerge in Wisconsin with his own policyholders dealing with persistent contractors demanding they sign away their benefits. As a longtime member of PIA’s Legislative Committee, he sounded the alarm and his advocacy was key in the development of this priority legislation.
At Wisconsin Insurance Agent Day at the Capitol, agents visited their representatives’ offices and spoke about the need for reform to protect consumers regarding these contracts. Members have continued outreach with their lawmakers to underscore the importance of passing this important legislation and the bill was passed by both houses on a bipartisan basis towards the end of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session.
Ken Werner Jr. and fellow Legislative Committee member Christian Montezon joined PIA’s Pete Hanson yesterday at the Wisconsin State Capitol, where broad industry support celebrated the signing.
The enactment of Wisconsin Act 260 preserves the integrity of insurance contracts, protects consumers from inflated claims and predatory contractors, and is an excellent step forward in addressing abuse in the property claims process.
Importance of Agent Advocacy
Agents highlighting issues they see in the marketplace and getting involved in the process makes a difference:
Thank you to Ken for bringing forward this issue and serving on our Legislative Committee!
Thank you to agents who attended and advocated to their lawmakers on Wisconsin Insurance Agent Day at the Capitol!
Thank you to all who have engaged with their representatives on the importance of this legislation during the process.
PIA will continue working with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance policies that strengthen the insurance marketplace and protect Wisconsin consumers.
If you have an idea for future legislation or are interested in learning more about PIA’s Legislative Committee, please reach out to Natalie White at nwhite@piaw.org.