Colorado Bill HB26-1311: Surety Bond for Construction Retainage

Colorado bill HB26-1311 proposes to allow contractors to submit a surety bond in lieu of retainage in construction contracts. This change would apply to contracts of $150,000 or more, altering current retainage withholding limits.

Colorado Bill Modifies School Security Grant Program Eligibility

Colorado HB26-1321 modifies the eligibility criteria for nonprofit organizations participating in the school security disbursement program. The bill requires eligible nonprofits to be based in Colorado and provide school safety training and expertise at no cost to local education providers and first responders. Grant money must be disbursed by August 1 of each year for the upcoming school year.

Missouri Insurance Market Strain from Lawsuit Abuse

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance issued a report warning that lawsuit abuse is driving up insurance costs and straining the state's market. The report highlights the impact of social inflation and suggests legal reforms to stabilize premiums and insurance availability for families and businesses.

Missouri Encourages Earthquake Insurance Planning as Coverage Increases

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) is encouraging consumers to consider earthquake insurance as coverage availability increases statewide. A recent survey indicates more insurers are offering earthquake policies, particularly in high-risk areas near the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

Missouri Recovers Over $129 Million for Consumers in 2025

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance announced over $129 million in recoveries for consumers in 2025. This total includes funds recovered through consumer assistance, market regulation, and the Life Insurance Policy Locator tool.

Missouri Insurance Guidance for Winter Weather Impacts

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance has issued guidance to consumers impacted by winter weather. The guidance reminds citizens of their insurance coverage for damages such as frozen pipes, roof collapse, and food spoilage due to power outages, and provides contact information for consumer assistance.

Cornerstone National Insurance Company Placed into Receivership

The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance announced that Cornerstone National Insurance Company has been placed into receivership by court order, effective December 23, 2025. The company will be rehabilitated until February 28, 2026, and then liquidated, with all policies terminating by March 31, 2026.

Minnesota Insurers Data Call on Firearm Policies and Claims

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has issued a data call to property and casualty insurers writing business in Minnesota, as directed by Executive Order 25-12. Insurers must submit detailed policy and claims data involving firearms by April 6, 2026, to inform a report on gun violence reduction.

MN Commerce: Flexibility for Federal Employees Affected by Shutdown

The Minnesota Department of Commerce issued a notice requesting insurance companies and financial institutions to provide flexibility to policyholders and customers affected by the federal government shutdown. The notice encourages measures such as extended grace periods for payments, waiving fees, and offering flexible payment arrangements.

Homeowner Insurance Zip Code Reporting Updates

The Minnesota Department of Commerce issued Administrative Bulletin 2025-1 to update guidance on homeowner insurance zip code reporting requirements for companies. This bulletin supersedes previous communications and clarifies the annual filing deadline and reporting scope for insurers operating in specific metropolitan areas and first-class cities within Minnesota.