Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB2487

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the establishment, funding, and operation of the Texas natural disaster catastrophe fund and the disaster preparedness and mitigation grant council.

Impact

HB2487 is expected to transform how Texas manages disasters through the creation of a trust fund specifically allocated for disaster-related claims. The fund will support insurers, ensuring they maintain sufficient reserves to cover claims arising from catastrophic events. The bill includes provisions for a reimbursement premium system, requiring insurers to contribute to the fund based on their earned premiums from residential property insurance, which in turn will facilitate their financial recovery during significant disaster events. Furthermore, it mandates the formation of a grant council, which will distribute funds to support disaster preparedness measures on a local level.

Summary

House Bill 2487 is focused on the establishment, funding, and operation of the Texas natural disaster catastrophe fund and the disaster preparedness and mitigation grant council. The bill aims to create a structured state-level response to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters that impact the state, particularly regarding property insurance and disaster recovery. It establishes a fund designed to reimburse insurers for losses stemming from covered events such as hurricanes and tornadoes, thereby enhancing the stability of the insurance market in Texas.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as a positive step toward improving disaster resilience in Texas, there are points of contention regarding its funding and implementation strategies. Critics may argue about the sustainability of the fund, questioning whether the reimbursement premiums collected from insurers will be adequate to cover anticipated disaster losses. Additionally, some local governments may express concern that the program does not sufficiently empower them to conduct their own disaster recovery initiatives outside the state's framework, potentially limiting local discretion in emergency management.

Companion Bills

TX SB1379

Identical Relating to the establishment, funding, and operation of the Texas natural disaster catastrophe fund and the disaster preparedness and mitigation grant council.

Previously Filed As

TX SB841

Relating to funding of excess losses and operating expenses of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; authorizing an assessment, a surcharge, and an infrastructure grant.

TX HB1588

Relating to funding of excess losses and operating expenses of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; authorizing an assessment; authorizing a surcharge.

TX HB4440

Relating to state and local government responses to a pandemic disaster, including the establishment of the Pandemic Disaster Legislative Oversight Committee.

TX SB6

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Energy Insurance Program and other funding mechanisms to support the construction and operation of electric generating facilities.

TX HB2858

Relating to state and local government disaster preparedness.

TX HB1078

Relating to establishment of the disaster identification system for a declared state of disaster.

TX SB941

Relating to establishment of the disaster identification system for a declared state of disaster.

TX SB2503

Relating to the use of money in the Texas infrastructure resiliency fund to finance projects related to natural disaster relief.

TX SB1217

Relating to the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

TX HB4354

Relating to a mitigation and preparedness program and a fortified homes program administered by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

Similar Bills

TX SB1379

Relating to the establishment, funding, and operation of the Texas natural disaster catastrophe fund and the disaster preparedness and mitigation grant council.

TX SB2332

Relating to the regulation of preferred provider benefit plans regarding network adequacy, contracting and reimbursement activities.

TX HB3270

Relating to preferred provider and exclusive provider network regulations; providing administrative sanctions and penalties.

AR SB626

To Require Fair And Transparent Reimbursement Rates; To Ensure Parity Of Healthcare Services; To Amend The Billing In The Best Interest Of Patients Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

TX SB778

Relating to the licensing and regulation of identity recovery service contract providers and the inclusion of identity recovery service agreements in certain service contracts, retail installment contracts, and vehicle protection products; providing penalties.

AR HB1040

To Repeal The Arkansas Legal Insurance Act.

TX HB1772

Relating to the regulation of certain benefit plans.

TX HB616

Relating to payment of and disclosures related to certain out-of-network provider charges; authorizing a fee; providing a penalty.