Relating to own risk and solvency assessment by insurers and insurance groups; providing a penalty.
Impact
The bill introduces a structure for insurers to examine and report on their risk profiles clearly. It mandates that insurers file a confidential summary report on their own risk and solvency assessments to the insurance commissioner. This approach is intended to bolster the stability of the insurance market by bringing more rigorous evaluation processes for risks that insurers face, which could lead to improved financial assurance in the industry.
Summary
SB1007 aims to enhance the regulatory framework for domestic insurers by establishing requirements for an own risk and solvency assessment. This new chapter in the Insurance Code requires insurers to develop and maintain a risk management framework to identify, assess, and manage their material risks. Insurers must regularly conduct assessments, tailored to their size and complexity, to ensure they hold sufficient capital to support their business operations.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding SB1007 is the confidentiality of the submitted reports. The bill stipulates that the assessment summaries will remain confidential and not subject to public disclosure, raising concerns about accountability and transparency within the insurance sector. While proponents argue that confidentiality is vital for competitive reasons and to protect sensitive information, critics worry this could lead to a lack of oversight and potential negligence by insurers regarding risk management practices.
Relating to the transfer and statutory novation of insurance policies from a transferring insurer to an assuming insurer through an insurance business transfer plan; authorizing fees.
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 funding of excess losses and operating expenses of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; authorizing an assessment; authorizing a surcharge.
Relating to funding of excess losses and operating expenses of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association; authorizing an assessment, a surcharge, and an infrastructure grant.
The standards and management of an insurer with an insurance holding company system and the confidential treatment of investigation and examination records of insurance holding companies.