The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, anational trade association with 1,000 member companies, was amongthose who testified against a New Jersey state legislative proposalthat would require most insurance company employees to register aslobbyists. The proposal was put forth by the New Jersey ElectionLaw Enforcement Commission.

“This proposal would define as a lobbyist almost any insurancecompany employee involved in rating, public contracts, permits,bidding, or administration,” said Richard Stokes, regional managerfor PCI at a hearing before the commission.

His testimony was reinforced by comments from more than 100public figures in related industries. Based on this, the commissionreconsidered, saying, “The commission does not believe that it wasthe legislature's intent that the definition of 'influencinggovernmental processes' be applied so broadly that each employee ofa governmental affairs agent, who is somehow engaged in activityrelated to governmental processes, would be required to register asan agent.” It recommended that the amendment be clarified toinclude only those directly influencing legislation andregulation.