Texas House Bill HB3489

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to exemptions from examination requirement.

Impact

The implementation of HB 3489 could significantly impact the landscape of risk management licensing in Texas. By allowing qualified professionals to forgo the examination, the bill may encourage more individuals to enter the field by diminishing entry barriers. Proponents argue that this could lead to a more qualified pool of risk management professionals and support industry growth by making it easier for experienced individuals with recognized credentials to become licensed. Furthermore, this measure acknowledges the sophistication of current educational programs and training that produce qualified candidates.

Summary

House Bill 3489 proposes to amend the Texas Insurance Code to provide exemptions from examination requirements for obtaining a risk manager's license. This bill allows applicants with certain professional designations to bypass the examination process, which is traditionally required for those seeking to enter this profession. The proposed exemptions apply to individuals holding designations such as Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and Certified Risk Managers (CRM). This change aims to recognize existing qualifications held by risk managers, potentially streamlining the licensing process.

Contention

However, there may be concerns regarding the implications of these exemptions. Critics may question whether bypassing the examination ensures that all licensed risk managers possess sufficient knowledge and skills, which are critical to managing complex risks in various industries. There are potential worries that the quality of risk management could decline if the traditional examination route is disregarded, leading to a lack of thorough assessment of candidates. The discussion surrounding these concerns may highlight the balance between regulatory flexibility and maintaining professional standards.