Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2067

Filed
1/24/25  
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to declination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of insurance policies.

Impact

If enacted, HB2067 will amend several sections of the Texas Insurance Code, introducing requirements for insurers to report their declination, cancellation, or nonrenewal activities. Specifically, insurers must submit quarterly reports summarizing the reasons they declined, canceled, or refused to renew policies. This will help regulators monitor and analyze patterns in insurance company practices, potentially leading to better oversight and consumer protections. Furthermore, the bill will strengthen consumer rights by ensuring that applicants are informed and can challenge or seek clarification on insurance decisions.

Summary

House Bill 2067 aims to enhance the transparency surrounding the declination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of various insurance policies in Texas. The bill mandates that insurers provide written statements detailing the reasons for such actions, making it clearer for consumers and policyholders to understand the decisions made by their insurance companies. This effort directs the Texas Department of Insurance to enforce reasonable rules concerning these processes and provides guidelines on how insurers must communicate with applicants and policyholders about their insurance applications.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB2067 appears supportive among consumer advocacy groups and certain legislative members who prioritize consumer protections in the insurance industry. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step in promoting accountability among insurers and protecting policyholders from arbitrary actions. However, concerns may arise from some insurance providers regarding the additional administrative burden and compliance costs tied to the requirements of the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential for opposition from insurance companies that may argue that these regulations could complicate their operations and slow down decision-making processes. Insurers may express concerns over the implications of being required to disclose reasons for policy actions, fearing it might lead to litigation or regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, discussions around how strictly these rules will be enforced and whether they will significantly impact consumer behavior and insurance market dynamics might arise.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Insurance Code

  • Chapter 551. Practices Relating To Declination, Cancellation, And Nonrenewal Of Insurance Policies
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 109
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 109
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 109

Companion Bills

TX SB1006

Identical Relating to declination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of insurance policies.

Similar Bills

TX SB1006

Relating to declination, cancellation, or nonrenewal of insurance policies.

HI SB802

Relating To Insurance.

RI S0015

Requires homeowner’s insurance providers to provide two months’ notice before increasing any policy more that 20%. Also caps rate increases for policy holders that are 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limits.

RI H5333

Requires homeowner’s insurance providers to provide two months’ notice before increasing any policy more that 20%. Also caps rate increases for policy holders that are 65 years of age or older and meet certain income limits.

MS HB1611

Property and casualty insurance coverage; require 45-day notice before change in coverage of.

FL H1047

Insurance

HI SB752

Relating To Insurance.

HI HB1502

Relating To Insurance.