Relating to prohibiting the use of credit scoring in certain lines of personal insurance.
Impact
If enacted, HB1007 would significantly alter the landscape of personal insurance in Texas by ensuring that insurance underwriting and rating would not rely on creditworthiness. This change would require insurers to adopt alternative methods of assessment that could potentially focus more on individual risk factors relevant to insurance rather than financial histories. Such a shift may lead to lower premiums for individuals with poor credit histories who previously may have faced higher rates or denied coverage based solely on credit scores.
Summary
House Bill 1007 seeks to amend the Texas Insurance Code by prohibiting insurers from using credit scores, credit reports, or credit information in determining personal insurance premiums, eligibility for coverage, or underwriting policies. The bill aims to protect consumers from potential discrimination based on credit history, which proponents argue is often unrelated to an individual's ability to manage risk in personal insurance instances. By eliminating the role of credit scoring in these contexts, the bill is positioned as a measure that promotes fairness in insurance practices.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB1007 appears predominantly positive among consumer advocacy groups and individuals who have experienced difficulty obtaining insurance due to credit history. Supporters believe that the bill would foster a more inclusive insurance market and force companies to find more equitable ways to assess risk. Conversely, some insurers may view the bill with caution, concerned that it could lead to increased financial risk and reduced actuarial accuracy, potentially resulting in higher costs across the board for all insured individuals.
Contention
A notable point of contention surrounding HB1007 lies in the debate over the viability of alternative risk assessment methods. Critics, particularly from the insurance industry, argue that credit assessments are a crucial and effective tool in underwriting that aligns premiums with risk profiles. They contend that removing credit scoring could lead to less precise pricing mechanisms, which could inadvertently raise costs for consumers. The bill's future will likely depend on balancing consumer protection with the practicalities of risk assessment in the insurance market.
Relating to prohibiting the use of certain credit scores, including environmental, social, or governance scores and social credit scores, by certain financial institutions and other lenders in this state; providing a civil penalty.
Relating to consideration by insurers of certain prohibited criteria for ratemaking and coverage decisions and the use of disparate impact analysis regarding certain insurance practices.
Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression; providing an administrative penalty.
Relating to prohibitions on the illegal entry into or illegal presence in this state by a person who is an alien, the enforcement of those prohibitions and certain related orders, including immunity from liability and indemnification for enforcement actions, and authorizing or requiring under certain circumstances the removal of persons who violate those prohibitions; creating criminal offenses.
Prohibits automobile insurers from using underwriting rules to raise automobile insurance rates on persons deemed not at fault in motor vehicle accidents.