Texas House Bill HB4492

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/2/09
• Voted on by House: 5/7/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/19/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to annuities registered under the Securities Act of 1933.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 4492 may streamline the regulatory processes for financial professionals who recommend annuities to their clients. By establishing compliance with national standards, the bill is intended to improve consumer protections and ensure that financial advisors adhere to best practices recognized across the nation. This alignment is expected to foster greater trust in the financial services industry while potentially reducing confusion caused by differing state and federal regulations.

Summary

House Bill 4492 proposes amendments to Section 1115.054 of the Texas Insurance Code, specifically regarding the compliance requirements for the recommendation of annuities registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The bill aims to align Texas regulations with the conduct rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) or other recognized national organizations. This update seeks to enhance the regulatory framework governing annuity recommendations, ensuring that such recommendations meet national standards of suitability and compliance.

Contention

While the bill appears to have the broader aim of ensuring consumer safety and compliance with national standards, notable points of contention could arise regarding the implications for local financial advisors. Critics may argue that tightening standards could complicate the advisory process and limit flexibility for local practitioners. Moreover, the bill's requirement for adherence to national rules may face scrutiny from professionals who believe that additional state-level regulations are necessary to adequately protect Texas consumers.