WASHINGTON – Legislation signed into law today by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers greatly enhances protections for consumers seeking lifetime income from annuities. The law was proposed by Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) and Representative Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca). Wisconsin is the 23rd state that as part of a nationwide, bipartisan effort has adopted measures implementing the ‘best interest of consumer enhancements’ in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)  Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation.  The new laws and regulations also align with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest.

“The new law unanimously passed by the Wisconsin legislature and signed today by Governor Evers is a victory for Badger State consumers,” said Wisconsin Council of Life Insurers Executive Director Connie O'Connell. “It enhances the standards financial professionals must follow while ensuring that individual savers maintain access to, and information about, annuities, the only financial product in the marketplace that can provide guaranteed lifetime income.”

“Unlike a fiduciary-only approach that limits choices for consumers, the bill signed into law today offers strong protections while making sure savers, particularly financially vulnerable middle-income Americans, can access information about options for long-term security throughout retirement,” said National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Wisconsin Grassroots Chair Laura P DeGolier. “According to a recent study, a fiduciary-only approach would limit choices for consumers, reduce savings of nearly 3 million people by $140 billion and widen the racial wealth gap by 20%.”

“The U.S. Congress reaffirmed the importance of lifetime income when it passed legislation in 2019 that made it easier for employers to include annuities in workplace retirement plans,” said American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) President and CEO Susan Neely. “These protections safeguard consumers while also ensuring that middle- and working-class families retain access to annuities. We hope other states will join Wisconsin in adopting this practical consumer protection so more consumers can benefit from a best interest standard of care.”

About ACLI: The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is the leading trade association driving public policy and advocacy on behalf of the life insurance industry. 90 million American families rely on the life insurance industry for financial protection and retirement security. ACLI’s member companies are dedicated to protecting consumers’ financial wellbeing through life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, and dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI’s 280 member companies represent 94 percent of industry assets in the United States.

About NAIFA: Founded in 1890, NAIFA is the oldest, largest and most prestigious association representing the interests of financial services professionals from every Congressional district in the United States. Our mission – to advocate for a positive legislative and regulatory environment, enhance business and professional skills, and promote the ethical conduct of its members – is the reason NAIFA has consistently and resoundingly stood up for financial services professionals and called upon members to grow their knowledge while following the highest ethical standards in the industry.

About the Wisconsin Council of Life Insurers: The Wisconsin Council of Life Insurers is a trade association representing both domestic and nondomestic insurance companies licensed to write life insurance, long term care or disability income insurance in the state of Wisconsin.