Republicans in Texas easily swatted down major changes to insurance regulation in a Texas House bill that would keep the current rules and bureaucracy in place.
The bill continuing the functions of the Texas Department of Insurance passed on a 96-46 vote. House Bill 1951 is part of a regular review of state agencies — the so-called Sunset process.
Democrats offered up a variety of pro-consumer amendments. Among them were provisions such as prior approval of rate increases, a ban on credit scoring in the underwriting of home and auto insurance and the creation of an elected insurance commissioner post.
The Republican-led House shot down those proposals and kept a pro-business approach in the insurance legislation.
The house also passed a bill reforming the troubled Texas Windstorm Insurance.
Not everyone agreed on the reforms, though, setting off hours of debate. Supporters of the bill said it would weed out problems with the agency, which requires insurance companies in the state to provide insurance to property owners along the coast.
Opponents of the bill said it would make it harder for property owners to collect on their claims following tropical storms and hurricanes. The proposed law, HB 272, sets more stringent rules for filing and collecting claims.
The agency’s track record is spotty, with several high profile resignations after allegations of corruption. The bill changes the rules for people appointed to lead the agency.
After one more procedural vote, the bill will go to the Senate.
Topics Texas
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