Texas House Bill HB2175

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the operation of the Texas Department of Insurance.

Impact

The implications of HB 2175 are significant in establishing more structured governance of the Texas Department of Insurance. By mandating that employment and appointment practices must be justified in writing, the bill aims to reinforce the integrity of hiring practices within the department. This move is expected to promote higher professional standards and administrative accountability, ensuring that personnel are adequately qualified to carry out their duties under the Texas insurance laws.

Summary

House Bill 2175 focuses on the operations of the Texas Department of Insurance, introducing amendments intended to enhance transparency and accountability within the department. Key changes include the addition of provisions that require the commissioner to maintain written justifications for appointments and employment, ensuring decisions are based on relevant qualifications and needs within the department. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the department is subject to review under the Texas Sunset Act every four years, with an explicit requirement for legislative approval to continue its operations beyond that timeframe.

Enactment

HB 2175 is slated for enactment conditions, including the usual legislative voting practices which provide for either immediate effect upon a two-thirds majority or defaulting to a specified future effective date. The focus on including robust provisions for public access to departmental actions indicates a clear shift towards ensuring that constituents and other stakeholders have visibility into the operations of a key regulatory body in Texas.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding the bill may stem from its operational provisions that increase scrutiny of the department itself. Critics might argue that the increased regulatory oversight could lead to bureaucratic delays or might affect the department's operational efficiency. Additionally, while the intent is to promote transparency, potential opponents could view the requirements for public disclosure of a range of actions and decisions as excessive, possibly leading to an increased workload for the department and its employees.