HB 272 – Smithee – relating to the operation of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and to the resolution of certain disputes concerning claims made to that association was laid out for consideration on the House floor on May 10.
HB 272 as amended and passed to third reading will, among other things:
- Change the name of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to the “Texas Coastal Insurance Plan.”
- Place strict ethics rules for TWIA’s board of directors or employees.
- Require the commissioner to simplify the windstorm insurance applications process.
- Outline specific policies on filing deadlines and arbitration.
- Give ratepayers appealing claims decisions by TWIA a new jury trial option.
HB 272 passed to third reading with 23 floor amendments.
