H.B. 16 78(2)    BILL ANALYSIS


H.B. 16
By: Swinford
Government Reform
Committee Report (Unamended)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Texas law requires that an individual serving as the insurance
commissioner serve for a term of two years and meet certain requirements
in order to qualify for the position.  House Bill 16 amends the Insurance
Code to require that the commissioner serve for a term of two years but
changes the qualification requirements for the position. 

     
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

HB 16 removes the provision  requiring that the Commissioner of Insurance
most possess at least 5 years of experience in the field of insurance or
insurance regulation.   

The Commissioner will continue to serve a two year term and must have 10
years of experience as an executive in the administration of business or
government or as a practicing attorney or certified public accountant. 


EFFECTIVE DATE

December 1, 2003.