SRC-MAX S.B. 1256 75(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.B. 1256
By: Whitmire
State Affairs
3-26-97
As Filed


DIGEST 

Currently, title insurance rules, regulations, and rates may be adopted
according to the county population or by the average price of a real
estate transaction in a certain geographical area.  This bill transfers
the powers of the Texas State Board of Insurance to the commissioner of
insurance.  

PURPOSE

As proposed, S.B. 1256 establishes certain rules and regulations adopted
by the commissioner of insurance with respect to title insurance. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Article 9.21, Insurance Code, as follows:

Art.  9.21.  New heading:  AUTHORITY OF COMMISSIONER.  Provides that the
powers and duties previously held by the Texas State Board of Insurance
under this section are to be transferred to the commissioner of insurance
(commissioner).  Requires  any company operating under the provisions of
this Act to engage in the characters of business described in Subsection
(a) or Subsection (b)(1), rather than Subdivisions (1) and (2), Article
9.03, of this code, rather than Act, in a certain manner.  Prohibits the
commissioner from promulgating or enforcing any rule or regulation that
results in discrimination, in the rates or otherwise, to the public or to
any title insurance agent or title insurance company. 

SECTION 2. Effective date:  September 1, 1997.

SECTION 3. Emergency clause.