The Hartford FinancialServices Group Inc.'s shareholders can now nominate directors via aproxy statement.

The board amended the company's bylaws to allow an individualstockholder, or a group of up to 20 shareholders, with a common stock stake of atleast 3% held for at least three years, to nominate a director and include him orher in proxy statements.

The shareholder or group can nominate up to two directors ora number of directors equal to 20% of the board, whichever is greater.

The change will be effective for the company's 2017 annual meeting.