82R21318 TJS-F
By: Hancock H.B. No. 3589
Substitute the following for H.B. No. 3589:
By: Hancock C.S.H.B. No. 3589
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to claim-handling deadlines in the event of certain
weather-related catastrophes or natural disasters.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 542.059, Insurance Code, is amended by
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read
as follows:
(b) In the event of a weather-related catastrophe or major
natural disaster in which the commissioner estimates the amount of
losses will total at least $5 million and the number of claims will
total at least 3,000 in the aggregate for all insurers [as defined
by the commissioner], the claim-handling deadlines imposed under
this subchapter are extended for an additional 15 days.
(c) The department shall issue a bulletin to notify insurers
of an extension under Subsection (b) not later than the fifth day
after the date the weather-related catastrophe or major natural
disaster occurs. The department may request information from an
insurer about the insurer's estimated amount of losses or total
number of claims. Information that an insurer voluntarily provides
to the department under this section is confidential and not
subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code.
(d) In the event that the governor issues a disaster
declaration under Section 418.014, Government Code, a
claim-handling deadline under this subchapter is extended for 15
days for a county specified in the declaration. The department
shall issue a bulletin to notify insurers of an extension under this
subsection.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.