Texas House Bill HB1906

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to insurers' duty to provide information in a fraud investigation.

Impact

The impact of HB1906 is significant as it directly alters the operational procedures for insurers in Texas. By imposing a statutory timeline for the disclosure of requested information, the bill aims to facilitate quicker investigations and resolutions regarding fraud. This could lead to more proactive measures in combatting insurance fraud, ultimately protecting consumers and ensuring a fair insurance market. However, the requirement for quick responses may impose additional administrative burdens on insurance companies, potentially leading to disputes over what constitutes relevant information.

Summary

House Bill 1906 focuses on the obligations of insurers in providing information during fraud investigations. This legislation mandates that insurance companies must respond to requests made by authorized governmental agencies within a specified timeframe. Specifically, insurers are required to supply any relevant information or materials within 15 days after receiving such a request, with a potential extension of 10 days upon request from the insurer. The intent behind this bill is to streamline the investigation process for fraud, thus enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Texas Department of Insurance in addressing fraudulent activities.

Contention

While HB1906 is primarily viewed as a measure that could enhance law enforcement efforts against insurance fraud, there are potential points of contention associated with it. Critics may argue that the obligation to quickly provide information could conflict with an insurer's need to protect proprietary business information or uncover actual fraud. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the implications for data privacy and how the required disclosures might affect the relationship between insurers and their policyholders. Thus, the debate may center around balancing effective fraud investigation with the rights of companies and consumers.