Merski’s bill to strengthen public adjuster protections wins unanimous committee approval
Rep. Robert Merski October 28, 2025 | 3:33 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 28 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, announced today that his bill, H.B. 1972, was reported out of the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee unanimously. Merski said the legislation is a commonsense update to strengthen consumer protections and restore trust in the public adjuster licensing system.
House Bill 1972 would revise key definitions in the Public Adjuster Licensing Law, tighten licensure requirements, and expand mandatory written disclosures of financial interests. The bill would update bond and fee provisions, add new prohibitions and pre-contract disclosure requirements, and revise contract and license revocation provisions to better protect policyholders from conflicts of interest and excessive commission practices.
“We need stronger rules to protect Pennsylvanians when they’re recovering from property loss,” Merski said. “My legislation would close loopholes that have allowed conflicts of interest and unreasonable fees, ensure clear disclosures before any contract is signed, and give regulators the tools they need to hold bad actors accountable.”
Merski said the bill was shaped by conversations with insurance regulators, consumer advocates, and industry stakeholders to ensure practical enforcement tools without unduly burdening honest professionals.
“The goal is simple: fair treatment for homeowners and timely, transparent claims assistance,” he said.
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.