Texas House Bill HB3900

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the panel of experts appointed to advise the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3900 is expected to have a significant impact on the way insurance claims are processed in Texas, especially concerning windstorm incidents. By formalizing the use of an expert panel to guide the TWIA’s claim settlement procedures, the bill aims to enhance transparency and consistency in how claims are evaluated and resolved. This change could lead to improved outcomes for policyholders as they navigate the claims process after windstorm events.

Summary

House Bill 3900 seeks to amend regulations related to the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) by addressing the panel of experts who advise the organization. Specifically, the bill updates Section 2210.578(f) of the Insurance Code, allowing the commissioner to publish guidelines for claim settlements based on recommendations made by the advisory panel. The intent of this legislation is to refine the process of managing claims and ensure that the guidelines follow expert advice, potentially improving the efficiency of claim settlements for windstorm-related damages.

Contention

While the bill seems to strengthen the advisory role of the expert panel, there may be concerns regarding how these guidelines will be implemented. Stakeholders could have differing opinions on what constitutes appropriate recommendations from the expert panel and how they should influence the settlement process. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding the potential impacts on claim turnaround times and whether the bill effectively addresses any previous inefficiencies within the TWIA.