Insurance required to take pictures in NYC?

I must admit, I don’t really get it. Require a permit and insurance to take pictures and film in New York City? The article is on the online New York Times.

The article says that the casual photographer won’t need to get the permit, but I’m at a loss as to why the city is doing this. But I wanted to get this out there since I am out the door and can’t read up on it more right now.

Dude/Dudette! Thanks for coming back, you make my day! :D Contact me at jeremy@jeremyvaught.com and let me know what you are up to.

Cheers!
--Jeremy