Texas House Bill HB686

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to insurance agents' ownership and use of certain information related to general property and casualty insurance policies; authorizing administrative penalties.

Impact

The impact of HB 686 on state laws centers on reinforcing the proprietary rights of insurance agents over policy expirations and records. Specifically, the bill applies to a wide variety of insurance entities, including stock, mutual and captive insurance companies, signaling a comprehensive approach to insurance regulation in Texas. By stipulating that only agents have the right to use certain records unless specific exceptions are met, the legislation aims to clarify and solidify the operational framework for insurance agents across the state.

Summary

House Bill 686, titled 'Relating to insurance agents' ownership and use of certain information related to general property and casualty insurance policies; authorizing administrative penalties,' proposes significant changes to the rights and responsibilities of insurance agents in Texas. The bill establishes that property and casualty insurance agents exclusively own and can use expiration dates and related records concerning insurance policies they write. This exclusive ownership is intended to enhance agents' ability to solicit and negotiate for the renewal of policies, reinforcing their role in the insurance market while aiming to increase their effectiveness in serving clients.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 686 include concerns over whether granting exclusive rights to agents may limit the ability of insurers to operate effectively in other aspects of their business, such as claims processing and underwriting. Additionally, the measure stipulates that it does not impair the privacy rights of applicants or insured individuals, an important aspect that aims to protect personal data. However, critics may question whether sufficient safeguards are in place to prevent misuse or misappropriation of information by agents under the new regulations. As the bill is deliberated, stakeholders—ranging from insurance company representatives to consumer protection advocates—are likely to continue voicing their perspectives on how it shapes the insurance landscape in Texas.