Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3723

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the regulation of secondary market transactions related to the business of life settlements; providing penalties; authorizing fees.

Impact

The enactment of HB3723 means that anyone involved in life settlement transactions will need to secure proper licenses, thereby tightening the regulatory framework around these transactions. This added licensing requirement aims to minimize fraud and protect consumers. Providers and brokers are now held accountable for disclosing critical information to policy owners, such as alternative options to life settlements and the potential tax implications of such transactions. Additionally, a failure to comply with the regulations could lead to significant penalties for those failing to uphold their responsibilities as outlined in the bill.

Summary

House Bill 3723 focuses on regulating secondary market transactions in the business of life settlements. The bill modifies various sections of the Texas Insurance Code to enhance oversight and compliance in life settlement transactions, making it mandatory for individuals and entities involved in these transactions to be licensed. It introduces definitions and regulations for brokers, providers, and secondary providers, establishing a clearer framework that mandates adherence to fiduciary duties. Notably, all advertisements and prospectuses must not be misleading and must comply with existing laws, ensuring greater transparency in dealings related to life settlements.

Contention

One notable point of contention arises from the bill's requirements for brokers and providers in relation to the processing of life settlement contracts. The bill delineates the operations and licenses required, which some in the industry argue may inadvertently stifle innovation or limit opportunities for smaller operators unable to meet the new regulations. However, proponents argue that these stringent measures are necessary to guard against fraud and misrepresentation, which can occur in life settlements. The tension between regulation and free-market operations is a central theme in discussions surrounding HB3723.

Companion Bills

TX SB1061

Identical Relating to the regulation of secondary market transactions related to the business of life settlements; providing penalties; authorizing fees.

Previously Filed As

TX SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB3573

Relating to modernizing the regulation of money services businesses.

TX SB1371

Relating to the regulation of consumer credit transactions and the regulatory authority of the consumer credit commissioner; changing a fee.

TX HB3275

Relating to the regulation of consumer credit transactions and the regulatory authority of the consumer credit commissioner; changing a fee.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB3890

Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing fees.

TX HB4498

Relating to the transfer and statutory novation of insurance policies from a transferring insurer to an assuming insurer through an insurance business transfer plan; authorizing fees.

TX HB1012

Relating to the prohibition of certain discrimination; authorizing civil penalties.

Similar Bills

TX SB1581

Relating to the regulation of secondary market transactions related to the business of life settlements; providing penalties; authorizing fees.

TX SB1061

Relating to the regulation of secondary market transactions related to the business of life settlements; providing penalties; authorizing fees.

LA HB579

Provides for the transfer, deposit, and use of monies among state funds (EN -$9,000,000 GF RV See Note)

MA S705

Relative to home investments

MA H1106

Relative to home investments

US HB77

This bill establishes which state law governs health insurers offering coverage in multiple states. Specifically, the bill provides that the laws of a state designated by a health insurer (primary state) apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that insurer in any other state (secondary state) if the coverage, states, and insurer comply with the conditions of this bill. Insurers are exempted from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the insurer in that state. The primary state is given sole jurisdiction to enforce its covered laws in any secondary state. The Government Accountability Office must study the effect of this bill on specified health insurance issues.

TX SB2117

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review certain transactions involving certain foreign entities in coordination with the attorney general; creating a civil penalty.

TX HB5007

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review certain transactions involving certain foreign entities; creating a civil penalty.