Chapter 366 of the Laws of 1859 established the Insurance Department. Under the direction of a Superintendent of Insurance, it assumed all duties relating to regulation of insurance companies exercised since 1849 by the secretary of state and state comptroller. Originally the governor appointed the superintendent, with advice and consent of the senate, for a term of three years. After 1927 the superintendent's term was changed to run until the end of the term of the appointing governor.
As head of the department, the superintendent of insurance supervises deputy assistants, line bureaus in Albany and New York City, and other section heads. The superintendent reviews all policy or program issues of importance. All major policy decisions regarding insurance regulations go through the superintendent or a deputy.
From the description of Superintendent's subject files, 1935-1976. (New York State Archives). WorldCat record id: 79174566
