H.B. No. 1951
 
 
 
 
AN ACT
  relating to the continuation and operation of the Texas Department
  of Insurance and the operation of certain insurance programs;
  imposing administrative penalties.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
  ARTICLE 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
         SECTION 1.001.  Section 31.002, Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 31.002.  DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT.  In addition to the other
  duties required of the Texas Department of Insurance, the
  department shall:
               (1)  regulate the business of insurance in this state;
               (2)  administer the workers' compensation system of
  this state as provided by Title 5, Labor Code; [and]
               (3)  ensure that this code and other laws regarding
  insurance and insurance companies are executed;
               (4)  protect and ensure the fair treatment of
  consumers; and
               (5)  ensure fair competition in the insurance industry
  in order to foster a competitive market.
         SECTION 1.002.  Section 31.004(a), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The Texas Department of Insurance is subject to Chapter
  325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act).  Unless continued in
  existence as provided by that chapter, the department is abolished
  September 1, 2023 [2011].
         SECTION 1.003.  Subchapter B, Chapter 36, Insurance Code, is
  amended by adding Section 36.110 to read as follows:
         Sec. 36.110.  NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE
  RESOLUTION POLICY.  (a)  The commissioner shall develop and
  implement a policy to encourage the use of:
               (1)  negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter
  2008, Government Code, for the adoption of department rules; and
               (2)  appropriate alternative dispute resolution
  procedures under Chapter 2009, Government Code, to assist in the
  resolution of internal and external disputes under the department's
  jurisdiction.
         (b)  The department's procedures relating to alternative
  dispute resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any
  model guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative
  Hearings for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state
  agencies.
         (c)  The commissioner shall:
               (1)  coordinate the implementation of the policy
  adopted under Subsection (a);
               (2)  provide training as needed to implement the
  procedures for negotiated rulemaking or alternative dispute
  resolution; and
               (3)  collect data concerning the effectiveness of those
  procedures.
  ARTICLE 2.  CERTAIN ADVISORY BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND COUNCILS AND
  RELATED TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
         SECTION 2.001.  Chapter 32, Insurance Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter E to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER E. RULES REGARDING USE OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES
         Sec. 32.151.  RULEMAKING AUTHORITY.  (a)  The commissioner
  shall adopt rules, in compliance with Section 39.003 of this code
  and Chapter 2110, Government Code, regarding the purpose,
  structure, and use of advisory committees by the commissioner, the
  state fire marshal, or department staff, including rules governing
  an advisory committee's:
               (1)  purpose, role, responsibility, and goals;
               (2)  size and quorum requirements;
               (3)  qualifications for membership, including
  experience requirements and geographic representation;
               (4)  appointment procedures;
               (5)  terms of service;
               (6)  training requirements; and
               (7)  duration.
         (b)  An advisory committee must be structured and used to
  advise the commissioner, the state fire marshal, or department
  staff. An advisory committee may not be responsible for rulemaking
  or policymaking.
         Sec. 32.152.  PERIODIC EVALUATION. The commissioner shall
  by rule establish a process by which the department shall
  periodically evaluate an advisory committee to ensure its continued
  necessity. The department may retain or develop committees as
  appropriate to meet changing needs.
         Sec. 32.153.  COMPLIANCE WITH OPEN MEETINGS ACT.  A
  department advisory committee must comply with Chapter 551,
  Government Code.
         SECTION 2.002.  Section 843.441, Insurance Code, is
  transferred to Subchapter L, Chapter 843, Insurance Code,
  redesignated as Section 843.410, Insurance Code, and amended to
  read as follows:
         Sec. 843.410 [843.441].  ASSESSMENTS. (a)  To provide
  funds for the administrative expenses of the commissioner regarding
  rehabilitation, liquidation, supervision, conservatorship, or
  seizure [conservation] of a [an impaired] health maintenance
  organization in this state that is placed under supervision or in
  conservatorship under Chapter 441 or against which a delinquency
  proceeding is commenced under Chapter 443 and that is found by the
  commissioner to have insufficient funds to pay the total amount of
  health care claims and the administrative[, including] expenses
  incurred by the commissioner regarding the rehabilitation,
  liquidation, supervision, conservatorship, or seizure, the
  commissioner [acting as receiver or by a special deputy receiver,
  the committee, at the commissioner's direction,] shall assess each
  health maintenance organization in the proportion that the gross
  premiums of the health maintenance organization that were written
  in this state during the preceding calendar year bear to the
  aggregate gross premiums that were written in this state by all
  health maintenance organizations, as found [provided to the
  committee by the commissioner] after review of annual statements
  and other reports the commissioner considers necessary.
         (b) [(c)]  The commissioner may abate or defer an assessment
  in whole or in part if, in the opinion of the commissioner, payment
  of the assessment would endanger the ability of a health
  maintenance organization to fulfill its contractual obligations.
  If an assessment is abated or deferred in whole or in part, the
  amount of the abatement or deferral may be assessed against the
  remaining health maintenance organizations in a manner consistent
  with the calculations made by the commissioner under Subsection (a)
  [basis for assessments provided by the approved plan of operation].
         (c) [(d)]  The total of all assessments on a health
  maintenance organization may not exceed one-fourth of one percent
  of the health maintenance organization's gross premiums in any one
  calendar year.
         (d) [(e)]  Notwithstanding any other provision of this
  subchapter, funds derived from an assessment made under this
  section may not be used for more than 180 consecutive days for the
  expenses of administering the affairs of a [an impaired] health
  maintenance organization the surplus of which is impaired and that
  is [while] in supervision[, rehabilitation,] or conservatorship
  [conservation for more than 150 days]. The commissioner
  [committee] may extend the period during which the commissioner
  [it] makes assessments for the administrative expenses [of an
  impaired health maintenance organization as it considers
  appropriate].
         SECTION 2.003.  Section 1660.004, Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 1660.004.  GENERAL RULEMAKING.  The commissioner may
  adopt rules as necessary to implement this chapter[, including
  rules requiring the implementation and provision of the technology
  recommended by the advisory committee].
         SECTION 2.004.  Section 1660.102(b), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (b)  The commissioner may consider [the] recommendations [of
  the advisory committee] or any other information provided in
  response to a department-issued request for information relating to
  electronic data exchange, including identification card programs,
  before adopting rules regarding:
               (1)  information to be included on the identification
  cards;
               (2)  technology to be used to implement the
  identification card pilot program; and
               (3)  confidentiality and accuracy of the information
  required to be included on the identification cards.
         SECTION 2.005.  Section 4001.009(a), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  As referenced in Section 4001.003(9), a reference to an
  agent in the following laws includes a subagent without regard to
  whether a subagent is specifically mentioned:
               (1)  Chapters 281, 402, 421-423, 441, 444, 461-463,
  [523,] 541-556, 558, 559, [702,] 703, 705, 821, 823-825, 827, 828,
  844, 963, 1108, 1205-1208 [1205-1209], 1211, 1213, 1214 
  [1211-1214], 1352, 1353, 1357, 1358, 1360-1363, 1369, 1453-1455,
  1503, 1550, 1801, 1803, 2151-2154, 2201-2203, 2205-2213, 3501,
  3502, 4007, 4102, and 4201-4203;
               (2)  Chapter 403, excluding Section 403.002;
               (3)  Subchapter A, Chapter 491;
               (4)  Subchapter C, Chapter 521;
               (5)  Subchapter A, Chapter 557;
               (6)  Subchapter B, Chapter 805;
               (7)  Subchapters D, E, and F, Chapter 982;
               (8)  Subchapter D, Chapter 1103;
               (9)  Subchapters B, C, D, and E, Chapter 1204,
  excluding Sections 1204.153 and 1204.154;
               (10)  Subchapter B, Chapter 1366;
               (11)  Subchapters B, C, and D, Chapter 1367, excluding
  Section 1367.053(c);
               (12)  Subchapters A, C, D, E, F, H, and I, Chapter 1451;
               (13)  Subchapter B, Chapter 1452;
               (14)  Sections 551.004, 841.303, 982.001, 982.002,
  982.004, 982.052, 982.102, 982.103, 982.104, 982.106, 982.107,
  982.108, 982.110, 982.111, 982.112, and 1802.001; and
               (15)  Chapter 107, Occupations Code.
         SECTION 2.006.  Section 4102.005, Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 4102.005.  CODE OF ETHICS. The commissioner[, with
  guidance from the public insurance adjusters examination advisory
  committee,] by rule shall adopt:
               (1)  a code of ethics for public insurance adjusters
  that fosters the education of public insurance adjusters concerning
  the ethical, legal, and business principles that should govern
  their conduct;
               (2)  recommendations regarding the solicitation of the
  adjustment of losses by public insurance adjusters; and
               (3)  any other principles of conduct or procedures that
  the commissioner considers necessary and reasonable.
         SECTION 2.007.  Section 2154.052(a), Occupations Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  The commissioner:
               (1)  shall administer this chapter through the state
  fire marshal; and
               (2)  may issue rules to administer this chapter [in
  compliance with Section 2154.054].
         SECTION 2.008.  The following laws are repealed:
               (1)  Article 3.70-3D(d), Insurance Code, as effective
  on appropriation in accordance with Section 5, Chapter 1457 (H.B.
  3021), Acts of the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999;
               (2)  Chapter 523, Insurance Code;
               (3)  Section 524.061, Insurance Code;
               (4)  the heading to Subchapter M, Chapter 843,
  Insurance Code;
               (5)  Sections 843.435, 843.436, 843.437, 843.438,
  843.439, and 843.440, Insurance Code;
               (6)  Chapter 1212, Insurance Code;
               (7)  Section 1660.002(2), Insurance Code;
               (8)  Subchapter B, Chapter 1660, Insurance Code;
               (9)  Section 1660.101(c), Insurance Code;
               (10)  Sections 4002.004, 4004.002, 4101.006, and
  4102.059, Insurance Code;
               (11)  Sections 4201.003(c) and (d), Insurance Code;
               (12)  Subchapter C, Chapter 6001, Insurance Code;
               (13)  Subchapter C, Chapter 6002, Insurance Code;
               (14)  Subchapter C, Chapter 6003, Insurance Code;
               (15)  Section 2154.054, Occupations Code; and
               (16)  Section 2154.055(c), Occupations Code.
         SECTION 2.009.  (a) The following boards, committees,
  councils, and task forces are abolished on the effective date of
  this Act:
               (1)  the consumer assistance program for health
  maintenance organizations advisory committee;
               (2)  the executive committee of the market assistance
  program for residential property insurance;
               (3)  the TexLink to Health Coverage Program task force;
               (4)  the health maintenance organization solvency
  surveillance committee;
               (5)  the technical advisory committee on claims
  processing;
               (6)  the technical advisory committee on electronic
  data exchange;
               (7)  the examination of license applicants advisory
  board;
               (8)  the advisory council on continuing education for
  insurance agents;
               (9)  the insurance adjusters examination advisory
  board;
               (10)  the public insurance adjusters examination
  advisory committee;
               (11)  the utilization review agents advisory
  committee;
               (12)  the fire extinguisher advisory council;
               (13)  the fire detection and alarm devices advisory
  council;
               (14)  the fire protection advisory council; and
               (15)  the fireworks advisory council.
         (b)  All powers, duties, obligations, rights, contracts,
  funds, records, and real or personal property of a board,
  committee, council, or task force listed under Subsection (a) of
  this section shall be transferred to the Texas Department of
  Insurance not later than February 28, 2012.
         SECTION 2.010.  The changes in law made by this Act by
  repealing Sections 523.003 and 843.439, Insurance Code, apply only
  to a cause of action that accrues on or after the effective date of
  this Act. A cause of action that accrues before the effective date
  of this Act is governed by the law in effect immediately before that
  date, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
  ARTICLE 3.  RATE REGULATION
         SECTION 3.001.  Subchapter F, Chapter 843, Insurance Code,
  is amended by adding Section 843.2071 to read as follows:
         Sec. 843.2071.  NOTICE OF INCREASE IN CHARGE FOR COVERAGE.
  (a) Not less than 60 days before the date on which an increase in a
  charge for coverage under this chapter takes effect, a health
  maintenance organization shall:
               (1)  give to each enrollee under an individual evidence
  of coverage written notice of the effective date of the increase;
  and
               (2)  provide the enrollee a table that clearly lists:
                     (A)  the actual dollar amount of the charge for
  coverage on the date of the notice;
                     (B)  the actual dollar amount of the charge for
  coverage after the charge increase; and
                     (C)  the percentage change between the amounts
  described by Paragraphs (A) and (B).
         (b)  The notice required by this section must be based on
  coverage in effect on the date of the notice.
         (c)  This section may not be construed to prevent a health
  maintenance organization, at the request of an enrollee, from
  negotiating a change in benefits or rates after delivery of the
  notice required by this section.
         (d)  A health maintenance organization may not require an
  enrollee entitled to notice under this section to respond to the
  health maintenance organization to renew the coverage or take other
  action relating to the renewal or extension of the coverage before
  the 45th day after the date the notice described by Subsection (a)
  is given.
         (e)  The notice required by this section must include:
               (1)  contact information for the department, including
  information concerning how to file a complaint with the department;
               (2)  contact information for the Texas Consumer Health
  Assistance Program, including information concerning how to
  request from the program consumer protection information or
  assistance with filing a complaint; and
               (3)  the addresses of Internet websites that provide
  consumer information related to rate increase justifications,
  including the websites of the department and the United States
  Department of Health and Human Services.
         SECTION 3.002.  Subchapter C, Chapter 1201, Insurance Code,
  is amended by adding Section 1201.109 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1201.109.  NOTICE OF RATE INCREASE. (a) Not less than
  60 days before the date on which a premium rate increase takes
  effect on an individual accident and health insurance policy
  delivered or issued for delivery in this state by an insurer, the
  insurer shall:
               (1)  give written notice to the insured of the
  effective date of the increase; and
               (2)  provide the insured a table that clearly lists:
                     (A)  the actual dollar amount of the premium on
  the date of the notice;
                     (B)  the actual dollar amount of the premium after
  the premium rate increase; and
                     (C)  the percentage change between the amounts
  described by Paragraphs (A) and (B).
         (b)  The notice required by this section must be based on
  coverage in effect on the date of the notice.
         (c)  This section may not be construed to prevent an insurer,
  at the request of an insured, from negotiating a change in benefits
  or rates after delivery of the notice required by this section.
         (d)  An insurer may not require an insured entitled to notice
  under this section to respond to the insurer to renew the policy or
  take other action relating to the renewal or extension of the policy
  before the 45th day after the date the notice described by
  Subsection (a) is given.
         (e)  The notice required by this section must include:
               (1)  contact information for the department, including
  information concerning how to file a complaint with the department;
               (2)  contact information for the Texas Consumer Health
  Assistance Program, including information concerning how to
  request from the program consumer protection information or
  assistance with filing a complaint; and
               (3)  the addresses of Internet websites that provide
  consumer information related to rate increase justifications,
  including the websites of the department and the United States
  Department of Health and Human Services.
         SECTION 3.003.  Subchapter E, Chapter 1501, Insurance Code,
  is amended by adding Section 1501.216 to read as follows:
         Sec. 1501.216.  PREMIUM RATES: NOTICE OF INCREASE.  (a) Not
  less than 60 days before the date on which a premium rate increase
  takes effect on a small employer health benefit plan delivered or
  issued for delivery in this state by an insurer, the insurer shall:
               (1)  give written notice to the small employer of the
  effective date of the increase; and
               (2)  provide the small employer a table that clearly
  lists:
                     (A)  the actual dollar amount of the premium on
  the date of the notice;
                     (B)  the actual dollar amount of the premium after
  the premium rate increase; and
                     (C)  the percentage change between the amounts
  described by Paragraphs (A) and (B).
         (b)  The notice required by this section must be based on
  coverage in effect on the date of the notice.
         (c)  This section may not be construed to prevent an insurer,
  at the request of a small employer, from negotiating a change in
  benefits or rates after delivery of the notice required by this
  section.
         (d)  An insurer may not require a small employer entitled to
  notice under this section to respond to the insurer to renew the
  policy or take other action relating to the renewal or extension of
  the policy before the 45th day after the date the notice described
  by Subsection (a) is given.
         (e)  The notice required by this section must include:
               (1)  contact information for the department, including
  information concerning how to file a complaint with the department;
               (2)  contact information for the Texas Consumer Health
  Assistance Program, including information concerning how to
  request from the program consumer protection information or
  assistance with filing a complaint; and
               (3)  the addresses of Internet websites that provide
  consumer information related to rate increase justifications,
  including the websites of the department and the United States
  Department of Health and Human Services.
         SECTION 3.004.  Section 2251.002(8), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
               (8)  "Supporting information" means:
                     (A)  the experience and judgment of the filer and
  the experience or information of other insurers or advisory
  organizations on which the filer relied;
                     (B)  the interpretation of any other information
  on which the filer relied;
                     (C)  a description of methods used in making a
  rate; and
                     (D)  any other information the department
  receives from a filer as a response to a request under Section
  38.001 [requires to be filed].
         SECTION 3.005.  Section 2251.101, Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2251.101.  RATE FILINGS AND SUPPORTING INFORMATION.
  (a)  Except as provided by Subchapter D, for risks written in this
  state, each insurer shall file with the commissioner all rates,
  applicable rating manuals, supplementary rating information, and
  additional information as required by the commissioner.  An insurer
  may use a rate filed under this subchapter on and after the date the
  rate is filed.
         (b)  The commissioner by rule shall:
               (1)  determine the information required to be included
  in the filing, including:
                     (A) [(1)]  categories of supporting information
  and supplementary rating information;
                     (B) [(2)]  statistics or other information to
  support the rates to be used by the insurer, including information
  necessary to evidence that the computation of the rate does not
  include disallowed expenses; and
                     (C) [(3)]  information concerning policy fees,
  service fees, and other fees that are charged or collected by the
  insurer under Section 550.001 or 4005.003; and
               (2)  prescribe the process through which the department
  requests supplementary rating information and supporting
  information under this section, including:
                     (A)  the number of times the department may make a
  request for information; and
                     (B)  the types of information the department may
  request when reviewing a rate filing.
         SECTION 3.006.  Section 2251.103, Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2251.103.  COMMISSIONER ACTION CONCERNING [DISAPPROVAL
  OF RATE IN] RATE FILING NOT YET IN EFFECT; HEARING AND ANALYSIS.
  (a)  Not later than the earlier of the date the rate takes effect or
  the 30th day after the date a rate is filed with the department
  under Section 2251.101, the [The] commissioner shall disapprove the
  [a] rate if the commissioner determines that the rate [filing made
  under this chapter] does not comply with the requirements of this
  chapter [meet the standards established under Subchapter B].
         (b)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), if a rate has not
  been disapproved by the commissioner before the expiration of the
  30-day period described by Subsection (a), the rate is not
  considered disapproved under this section.
         (c)  For good cause, the commissioner may, on the expiration
  of the 30-day period described by Subsection (a), extend the period
  for disapproval of a rate for one additional 30-day period.  The
  commissioner and the insurer may not by agreement extend the 30-day
  period described by Subsection (a) or this subsection.
         (d)  If the commissioner disapproves a rate under this
  section [filing], the commissioner shall issue an order specifying
  in what respects the rate [filing] fails to meet the requirements of
  this chapter.
         (e)  An insurer that files a rate that is disapproved under
  this section [(c)  The filer] is entitled to a hearing on written
  request made to the commissioner not later than the 30th day after
  the date the order disapproving the rate [filing] takes effect.
         (f)  The department shall track, compile, and routinely
  analyze the factors that contribute to the disapproval of rates
  under this section.
         SECTION 3.007.  Subchapter C, Chapter 2251, Insurance Code,
  is amended by adding Section 2251.1031 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2251.1031.  REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
  (a)  If the department determines that the information filed by an
  insurer under this subchapter or Subchapter D is incomplete or
  otherwise deficient, the department may request additional
  information from the insurer.
         (b)  If the department requests additional information from
  the insurer during the 30-day period described by Section
  2251.103(a) or 2251.153(a) or under a second 30-day period
  described by Section 2251.103(c) or 2251.153(c), as applicable, the
  time between the date the department submits the request to the
  insurer and the date the department receives the information
  requested is not included in the computation of the first 30-day
  period or the second 30-day period, as applicable.
         (c)  For purposes of this section, the date of the
  department's submission of a request for additional information is
  the earlier of:
               (1)  the date of the department's electronic mailing or
  documented telephone call relating to the request for additional
  information; or
               (2)  the postmarked date on the department's letter
  relating to the request for additional information.
         (d)  The department shall track, compile, and routinely
  analyze the volume and content of requests for additional
  information made under this section to ensure that all requests for
  additional information are fair and reasonable.
         SECTION 3.008.  The heading to Section 2251.104, Insurance
  Code, is amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 2251.104.  COMMISSIONER DISAPPROVAL OF RATE IN EFFECT;
  HEARING.
         SECTION 3.009.  Section 2251.107, Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2251.107.  PUBLIC [INSPECTION OF] INFORMATION. (a)  
  Each filing made, and any supporting information filed, under this
  chapter is public information subject to Chapter 552, Government
  Code, including any applicable exception from required disclosure
  under that chapter [open to public inspection as of the date of the
  filing].
         (b)  Each year the department shall make available to the
  public information concerning the department's general process and
  methodology for rate review under this chapter, including factors
  that contribute to the disapproval of a rate.  Information provided
  under this subsection must be general in nature and may not reveal
  proprietary or trade secret information of any insurer.
         SECTION 3.010.  Section 2251.151, Insurance Code, is amended
  by adding Subsections (c-1) and (f) and amending Subsection (e) to
  read as follows:
         (c-1)  If the commissioner requires an insurer to file the
  insurer's rates under this section, the commissioner shall
  periodically assess whether the conditions described by Subsection
  (a) continue to exist. If the commissioner determines that the
  conditions no longer exist, the commissioner shall issue an order
  excusing the insurer from filing the insurer's rates under this
  section.
         (e)  If the commissioner requires an insurer to file the
  insurer's rates under this section, the commissioner shall issue an
  order specifying the commissioner's reasons for requiring the rate
  filing and explaining any steps the insurer must take and any
  conditions the insurer must meet in order to be excused from filing
  the insurer's rates under this section.  An affected insurer is
  entitled to a hearing on written request made to the commissioner
  not later than the 30th day after the date the order is issued.
         (f)  The commissioner by rule shall define:
               (1)  the financial conditions and rating practices that
  may subject an insurer to this section under Subsection (a)(1); and
               (2)  the process by which the commissioner determines
  that a statewide insurance emergency exists under Subsection
  (a)(2).
         SECTION 3.011.  Section 2251.156, Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 2251.156.  RATE FILING DISAPPROVAL BY COMMISSIONER;
  HEARING. (a)  If the commissioner disapproves a rate filing under
  Section 2251.153(a)(2), the commissioner shall issue an order
  disapproving the filing in accordance with Section 2251.103(d)
  [2251.103(b)].
         (b)  An insurer whose rate filing is disapproved is entitled
  to a hearing in accordance with Section 2251.103(e) [2251.103(c)].
         (c)  The department shall track precedents related to
  disapprovals of rates under this subchapter to ensure uniform
  application of rate standards by the department.
         SECTION 3.012.  Section 2254.003(a), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  This section applies to a rate for personal automobile
  insurance or residential property insurance filed on or after the
  effective date of Chapter 206, Acts of the 78th Legislature,
  Regular Session, 2003.
         SECTION 3.013.  Section 2251.154, Insurance Code, is
  repealed.
         SECTION 3.014.  Sections 2251.002(8) and 2251.107,
  Insurance Code, as amended by this Act, apply only to a request to
  inspect information or to obtain public information made to the
  Texas Department of Insurance on or after the effective date of this
  Act. A request made before the effective date of this Act is
  governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date
  of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that
  purpose.
         SECTION 3.015.  Section 2251.103, Insurance Code, as amended
  by this Act, and Section 2251.1031, Insurance Code, as added by this
  Act, apply only to a rate filing made on or after the effective date
  of this Act. A rate filing made before the effective date of this
  Act is governed by the law in effect at the time the filing was made,
  and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 3.016.  Section 2251.151(c-1), Insurance Code, as
  added by this Act, applies to an insurer that is required to file
  the insurer's rates for approval under Section 2251.151, Insurance
  Code, on or after the effective date of this Act, regardless of when
  the order requiring the insurer to file the insurer's rates for
  approval under that section is first issued.
         SECTION 3.017.  Section 2251.151(e), Insurance Code, as
  amended by this Act, applies only to an order issued by the
  commissioner of insurance on or after the effective date of this
  Act. An order of the commissioner issued before the effective date
  of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the order
  was issued, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
  ARTICLE 4. STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE
         SECTION 4.001.  Section 417.008, Government Code, is amended
  by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
         (f)  The commissioner by rule shall prescribe a reasonable
  fee for an inspection performed by the state fire marshal that may
  be charged to a property owner or occupant who requests the
  inspection, as the commissioner considers appropriate. In
  prescribing the fee, the commissioner shall consider the overall
  cost to the state fire marshal to perform the inspections,
  including the approximate amount of time the staff of the state fire
  marshal needs to perform an inspection, travel costs, and other
  expenses.
         SECTION 4.002.  Section 417.0081, Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 417.0081.  INSPECTION OF CERTAIN STATE-OWNED OR
  STATE-LEASED BUILDINGS.  (a)  The state fire marshal, at the
  commissioner's direction, shall periodically inspect public
  buildings under the charge and control of the Texas Facilities
  [General Services] Commission and buildings leased for the use of a
  state agency by the Texas Facilities Commission.
         (b)  For the purpose of determining a schedule for conducting
  inspections under this section, the commissioner by rule shall
  adopt guidelines for assigning potential fire safety risk to
  state-owned and state-leased buildings. Rules adopted under this
  subsection must provide for the inspection of each state-owned and
  state-leased building to which this section applies, regardless of
  how low the potential fire safety risk of the building may be.
         (c)  On or before January 1 of each year, the state fire
  marshal shall report to the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker
  of the house of representatives, and appropriate standing
  committees of the legislature regarding the state fire marshal's
  findings in conducting inspections under this section.
         SECTION 4.003.  Section 417.0082, Government Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         Sec. 417.0082.  PROTECTION OF CERTAIN STATE-OWNED OR
  STATE-LEASED BUILDINGS AGAINST FIRE HAZARDS.  (a)  The state fire
  marshal, under the direction of the commissioner, shall take any
  action necessary to protect a public building under the charge and
  control of the Texas Facilities [Building and Procurement]
  Commission, and the building's occupants, and the occupants of a
  building leased for the use of a state agency by the Texas
  Facilities Commission, against an existing or threatened fire
  hazard.  The state fire marshal and the Texas Facilities [Building
  and Procurement] Commission shall include the State Office of Risk
  Management in all communication concerning fire hazards.
         (b)  The commissioner, the Texas Facilities [Building and
  Procurement] Commission, and the risk management board shall make
  and each adopt by rule a memorandum of understanding that
  coordinates the agency's duties under this section.
         SECTION 4.004.  Section 417.010, Government Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 417.010.  DISCIPLINARY AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS;
  ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES  [ALTERNATE REMEDIES]. (a)  This section
  applies to each person and firm licensed, registered, or otherwise
  regulated by the department through the state fire marshal,
  including:
               (1)  a person regulated under Title 20, Insurance Code;
  and
               (2)  a person licensed under Chapter 2154, Occupations
  Code.
         (b)  The commissioner by rule shall delegate to the state
  fire marshal the authority to take disciplinary and enforcement
  actions, including the imposition of administrative penalties in
  accordance with this section on a person regulated under a law
  listed under Subsection (a) who violates that law or a rule or order
  adopted under that law. In the rules adopted under this subsection,
  the commissioner shall:
               (1)  specify which types of disciplinary and
  enforcement actions are delegated to the state fire marshal; and
               (2)  outline the process through which the state fire
  marshal may, subject to Subsection (e), impose administrative
  penalties or take other disciplinary and enforcement actions.
         (c)  The commissioner by rule shall adopt a schedule of
  administrative penalties for violations subject to a penalty under
  this section to ensure that the amount of an administrative penalty
  imposed is appropriate to the violation. The department shall
  provide the administrative penalty schedule to the public on
  request. The amount of an administrative penalty imposed under
  this section must be based on:
               (1)  the seriousness of the violation, including:
                     (A)  the nature, circumstances, extent, and
  gravity of the violation; and
                     (B)  the hazard or potential hazard created to the
  health, safety, or economic welfare of the public;
               (2)  the economic harm to the public interest or public
  confidence caused by the violation;
               (3)  the history of previous violations;
               (4)  the amount necessary to deter a future violation;
               (5)  efforts to correct the violation;
               (6)  whether the violation was intentional; and
               (7)  any other matter that justice may require.
         (d)  In [The state fire marshal, in] the enforcement of a law
  that is enforced by or through the state fire marshal, the state
  fire marshal may, in lieu of cancelling, revoking, or suspending a
  license or certificate of registration, impose on the holder of the
  license or certificate of registration an order directing the
  holder to do one or more of the following:
               (1)  cease and desist from a specified activity;
               (2)  pay an administrative penalty imposed under this
  section [remit to the commissioner within a specified time a
  monetary forfeiture not to exceed $10,000 for each violation of an
  applicable law or rule]; or [and]
               (3)  make restitution to a person harmed by the holder's
  violation of an applicable law or rule.
         (e)  The state fire marshal shall impose an administrative
  penalty under this section in the manner prescribed for imposition
  of an administrative penalty under Subchapter B, Chapter 84,
  Insurance Code. The state fire marshal may impose an
  administrative penalty under this section without referring the
  violation to the department for commissioner action.
         (f)  An affected person may dispute the imposition of the
  penalty or the amount of the penalty imposed in the manner
  prescribed by Subchapter C, Chapter 84, Insurance Code. Failure to
  pay an administrative penalty imposed under this section is subject
  to enforcement by the department.
  ARTICLE 5. TITLE INSURANCE
         SECTION 5.001.  Section 2703.153(c), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  Not less frequently than once every five years, the
  commissioner shall evaluate the information required under this
  section to determine whether the department needs additional or
  different information or no longer needs certain information to
  promulgate rates. If the department requires a title insurance
  company or title insurance agent to include new or different
  information in the statistical report, that information may be
  considered by the commissioner in fixing premium rates if the
  information collected is reasonably credible for the purposes for
  which the information is to be used.
  ARTICLE 6.  ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS
         SECTION 6.001.  Subtitle A, Title 2, Insurance Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 35 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 35.  ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS
         Sec. 35.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Conduct business" includes engaging in or
  transacting any business in which a regulated entity is authorized
  to engage or is authorized to transact under the law of this state.
               (2)  "Regulated entity" means each insurer or other
  organization regulated by the department, including:
                     (A)  a domestic or foreign, stock or mutual, life,
  health, or accident insurance company;
                     (B)  a domestic or foreign, stock or mutual, fire
  or casualty insurance company;
                     (C)  a Mexican casualty company;
                     (D)  a domestic or foreign Lloyd's plan;
                     (E)  a domestic or foreign reciprocal or
  interinsurance exchange;
                     (F)  a domestic or foreign fraternal benefit
  society;
                     (G)  a domestic or foreign title insurance
  company;
                     (H)  an attorney's title insurance company;
                     (I)  a stipulated premium company;
                     (J)  a nonprofit legal service corporation;
                     (K)  a health maintenance organization;
                     (L)  a statewide mutual assessment company;
                     (M)  a local mutual aid association;
                     (N)  a local mutual burial association;
                     (O)  an association exempt under Section 887.102;
                     (P)  a nonprofit hospital, medical, or dental
  service corporation, including a company subject to Chapter 842;
                     (Q)  a county mutual insurance company; and
                     (R)  a farm mutual insurance company.
         Sec. 35.002.  CONSTRUCTION WITH OTHER LAW.
  (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, a regulated
  entity may conduct business electronically in accordance with this
  chapter and the rules adopted under Section 35.004.
         (b)  To the extent of any conflict between another provision
  of this code and a provision of this chapter, the provision of this
  chapter controls.
         Sec. 35.003.  ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS AUTHORIZED.  A
  regulated entity may conduct business electronically to the same
  extent that the entity is authorized to conduct business otherwise
  if before the conduct of business each party to the business agrees
  to conduct the business electronically.
         Sec. 35.004.  RULES. (a)  The commissioner shall adopt
  rules necessary to implement and enforce this chapter.
         (b)  The rules adopted by the commissioner under this section
  must include rules that establish minimum standards with which a
  regulated entity must comply in the entity's electronic conduct of
  business with other regulated entities and consumers.
         SECTION 6.002.  Chapter 35, Insurance Code, as added by this
  Act, applies only to business conducted on or after the effective
  date of this Act. Business conducted before the effective date of
  this Act is governed by the law in effect on the date the business
  was conducted, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
  ARTICLE 7.  DATA COLLECTION
         SECTION 7.001.  Chapter 38, Insurance Code, is amended by
  adding Subchapter I to read as follows:
  SUBCHAPTER I.  DATA COLLECTION RELATING TO
  CERTAIN PERSONAL LINES OF INSURANCE
         Sec. 38.401.  APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER.  This subchapter
  applies only to an insurer who writes personal automobile insurance
  or residential property insurance in this state.
         Sec. 38.402.  FILING OF CERTAIN CLAIMS INFORMATION.  
  (a)  The commissioner shall require each insurer described by
  Section 38.401 to file with the commissioner aggregate personal
  automobile insurance and residential property insurance claims
  information for the period covered by the filing, including the
  number of claims:
               (1)  filed during the reporting period;
               (2)  pending on the last day of the reporting period,
  including pending litigation;
               (3)  closed with payment during the reporting period;
               (4)  closed without payment during the reporting
  period; and
               (5)  carrying over from the reporting period
  immediately preceding the current reporting period.
         (b)  An insurer described by Section 38.401 must file the
  information described by Subsection (a) on an annual basis.  The
  information filed must be broken down by quarter.
         Sec. 38.403.  PUBLIC INFORMATION.  (a)  The department shall
  post the data contained in claims information filings under Section
  38.402 on the department's Internet website. The commissioner by
  rule may establish a procedure for posting data under this
  subsection that includes a description of the data that must be
  posted and the manner in which the data must be posted.
         (b)  Information provided under this section must be
  aggregate data by line of insurance for each insurer and may not
  reveal proprietary or trade secret information of any insurer.
         Sec. 38.404.  RULES.  The commissioner may adopt rules
  necessary to implement this subchapter.
  ARTICLE 8. STUDY ON RATE FILING AND APPROVAL
  REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN INSURERS WRITING IN
  UNDERSERVED AREAS; UNDERSERVED AREA DESIGNATION
         SECTION 8.001.  Section 2004.002, Insurance Code, is amended
  by amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c) and (d) to
  read as follows:
         (b)  In determining which areas to designate as underserved,
  the commissioner shall consider:
               (1)  whether residential property insurance is not
  reasonably available to a substantial number of owners of insurable
  property in the area; [and]
               (2)  whether access to the full range of coverages and
  policy forms for residential property insurance does not reasonably
  exist; and
               (3)  any other relevant factor as determined by the
  commissioner.
         (c)  The commissioner shall determine which areas to
  designate as underserved under this section not less than once
  every six years.
         (d)  The commissioner shall conduct a study concerning the
  accuracy of current designations of underserved areas under this
  section for the purpose of increasing and improving access to
  insurance in those areas not less than once every six years.
         SECTION 8.002.  Subchapter F, Chapter 2251, Insurance Code,
  is amended by adding Section 2251.253 to read as follows:
         Sec. 2251.253.  REPORT. (a)  The commissioner shall conduct
  a study concerning the impact of increasing the percentage of the
  total amount of premiums collected by insurers for residential
  property insurance under Section 2251.252.
         (b)  The commissioner shall report the results of the study
  in the biennial report required under Section 32.022.
         (c)  This section expires September 1, 2013.
  ARTICLE 9.  INDIVIDUAL HEALTH COVERAGE FOR CHILDREN
         SECTION 9.001.  Section 1502.002, Insurance Code, is amended
  to read as follows:
         Sec. 1502.002.  RULES.  (a)  The commissioner may adopt rules
  to implement this chapter, including rules necessary to:
               (1)  increase the availability of coverage to children
  younger than 19 years of age;
               (2)  establish an open enrollment period; and
               (3)  establish qualifying events as exceptions to the
  open enrollment period, including loss of coverage when a child
  becomes ineligible for coverage under the state child health plan.
         (b)  The commissioner may adopt rules on an emergency basis
  using the procedures established under Section 2001.034,
  Government Code.
         (c)  Notwithstanding Subsection (b), the commissioner is not
  required to make a finding under Section 2001.034(a), Government
  Code, before adopting rules on an emergency basis.
  ARTICLE 10.  ADJUSTER ADVISORY BOARD
         SECTION 10.001.  (a)  The adjuster advisory board
  established under this section is composed of the following nine
  members appointed by the commissioner:
               (1)  two public insurance adjusters;
               (2)  two members who represent the general public;
               (3)  two independent adjusters;
               (4)  one adjuster who represents a domestic insurer
  authorized to engage in business in this state;
               (5)  one adjuster who represents a foreign insurer
  authorized to engage in business in this state; and
               (6)  one representative of the Independent Insurance
  Agents of Texas.
         (b)  A member who represents the general public may not be:
               (1)  an officer, director, or employee of:
                     (A)  an adjuster or adjusting company;
                     (B)  an insurance agent or agency;
                     (C)  an insurance broker;
                     (D)  an insurer; or
                     (E)  any other business entity regulated by the
  department;
               (2)  a person required to register as a lobbyist under
  Chapter 305, Government Code; or
               (3)  a person related within the second degree of
  affinity or consanguinity to a person described by Subdivision (1)
  or (2).
         (c)  The advisory board shall make recommendations to the
  commissioner regarding:
               (1)  matters related to the licensing, testing, and
  continuing education of licensed adjusters;
               (2)  matters related to claims handling, catastrophic
  loss preparedness, ethical guidelines, and other professionally
  relevant issues; and
               (3)  any other matter the commissioner submits to the
  advisory board for a recommendation.
         (d)  A member of the advisory board serves without
  compensation. If authorized by the commissioner, a member is
  entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in
  attending meetings of the advisory board.
         (e)  The advisory board is subject to Chapter 2110,
  Government Code.
  ARTICLE 11.  LIMITED PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE LICENSES
         SECTION 11.001.  Section 4051.101(c), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (c)  This section does not apply to a person who wrote for the
  previous calendar year:
               (1)  policies authorized by Chapter 911 for a farm
  mutual insurance company that generated, in the aggregate, less
  than $50,000 in direct premium; [or]
               (2)  industrial fire insurance policies that
  generated, in the aggregate, less than $20,000 in direct premium;
  or
               (3)  policies authorized by Chapter 962 for an insurer
  that generated, in the aggregate, less than $40,000 in direct
  premium.
  ARTICLE 12. PROHIBITION OF COERCION OF PRACTITIONERS BY MANAGED
  CARE PLANS
         SECTION 12.001.  Section 1451.153, Insurance Code, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (c) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  A managed care plan may not:
               (1)  discriminate against a health care practitioner
  because the practitioner is an optometrist, therapeutic
  optometrist, or ophthalmologist;
               (2)  restrict or discourage a plan participant from
  obtaining covered vision or medical eye care services or procedures
  from a participating optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or
  ophthalmologist solely because the practitioner is an optometrist,
  therapeutic optometrist, or ophthalmologist;
               (3)  exclude an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist,
  or ophthalmologist as a participating practitioner in the plan
  because the optometrist, therapeutic optometrist, or
  ophthalmologist does not have medical staff privileges at a
  hospital or at a particular hospital; [or]
               (4)  exclude an optometrist, therapeutic optometrist,
  or ophthalmologist as a participating practitioner in the plan
  because the services or procedures provided by the optometrist,
  therapeutic optometrist, or ophthalmologist may be provided by
  another type of health care practitioner; or
               (5)  as a condition for a therapeutic optometrist or
  ophthalmologist to be included in one or more of the plan's medical
  panels, require the therapeutic optometrist or ophthalmologist to
  be included in, or to accept the terms of payment under or for, a
  particular vision panel in which the therapeutic optometrist or
  ophthalmologist does not otherwise wish to be included.
         (c)  For the purposes of Subsection (a)(5), "medical panel" 
  and "vision panel" have the meanings assigned by Section
  1451.154(a).
         SECTION 12.002.  The change in law made by Section 12.001 of
  this Act applies only to a contract entered into or renewed by a
  therapeutic optometrist or ophthalmologist and an issuer of a
  managed care plan on or after January 1, 2012. A contract entered
  into or renewed before January 1, 2012, is governed by the law in
  effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and that
  law is continued in effect for that purpose.
  ARTICLE 13.  CLAIMS REPORTING BY INSURERS
         SECTION 13.001.  Subtitle C, Title 5, Insurance Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 563 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 563. PRACTICES RELATING TO CLAIMS REPORTING
         Sec. 563.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Claims database" means a database used by
  insurers to share, among insurers, insureds' claims histories or
  damage reports concerning covered properties.
               (2)  "Insurer," "personal automobile insurance," and
  "residential property insurance" have the meanings assigned by
  Section 2254.001.
         Sec. 563.002.  REPORTING TO CLAIMS DATABASE. An insurer or
  an insurer's agent may not report to a claims database information
  regarding an inquiry by an insured regarding coverage provided
  under a personal automobile insurance policy or a residential
  property insurance policy unless and until the insured files a
  claim under the policy.
  ARTICLE 14.  SURETY BONDS AND RELATED INSTRUMENTS
         SECTION 14.001.  Section 3503.005(a), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (a)  A bond that is made, given, tendered, or filed under
  Chapter 53, Property Code, or Chapter 2253, Government Code, may be
  executed only by a surety company that is authorized to write surety
  bonds in this state.  If the amount of the bond exceeds $100,000,
  the surety company must also:
               (1)  hold a certificate of authority from the United
  States secretary of the treasury to qualify as a surety on
  obligations permitted or required under federal law; or
               (2)  have obtained reinsurance for any liability in
  excess of $1 million [$100,000] from a reinsurer that:
                     (A)  is an authorized reinsurer in this state; or
  [and]
                     (B)  holds a certificate of authority from the
  United States secretary of the treasury to qualify as a surety or
  reinsurer on obligations permitted or required under federal law.
         SECTION 14.002.  Section 3503.004(b), Insurance Code, is
  repealed.
  ARTICLE 15.  RESIDENTIAL FIRE ALARM TECHNICIANS
         SECTION 15.001.  Section 6002.158(e), Insurance Code, is
  amended to read as follows:
         (e)  The curriculum for a residential fire alarm technician
  course must consist of at least seven [eight] hours of instruction
  on installing, servicing, and maintaining single-family and
  two-family residential fire alarm systems as defined by National
  Fire Protection Standard No. 72 and an examination on National Fire
  Protection Standard No. 72 for which at least one hour is allocated
  for completion. The examination must consist of at least 25
  questions, and an applicant must accurately answer at least 80
  percent of the questions to pass the examination.
         SECTION 15.002.  The changes in law made by this Act to
  Section 6002.158, Insurance Code, apply only to an application for
  approval or renewal of approval of a training school submitted to
  the state fire marshal on or after the effective date of this Act.
  An application submitted before the effective date of this Act is
  governed by the law in effect immediately before the effective date
  of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
  ARTICLE 16.  TRANSITION; EFFECTIVE DATE
         SECTION 16.001.  Except as otherwise provided by this Act,
  this Act applies only to an insurance policy, contract, or evidence
  of coverage that is delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or
  after January 1, 2012. A policy, contract, or evidence of coverage
  delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed before January 1, 2012,
  is governed by the law as it existed immediately before the
  effective date of this Act, and that law is continued in effect for
  that purpose.
         SECTION 16.002.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.
 
 
  ______________________________ ______________________________
     President of the Senate Speaker of the House     
 
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1951 was passed by the House on May
  11, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 101, Nays 40, 4 present, not
  voting; that the House refused to concur in Senate amendments to
  H.B. No. 1951 on May 23, 2011, and requested the appointment of a
  conference committee to consider the differences between the two
  houses; and that the House adopted the conference committee report
  on H.B. No. 1951 on May 28, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 143,
  Nays 5, 2 present, not voting.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House   
 
         I certify that H.B. No. 1951 was passed by the Senate, with
  amendments, on May 20, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 30, Nays
  0; at the request of the House, the Senate appointed a conference
  committee to consider the differences between the two houses; and
  that the Senate adopted the conference committee report on H.B. No.
  1951 on May 28, 2011, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.
 
  ______________________________
  Secretary of the Senate   
  APPROVED: __________________
                  Date       
   
           __________________
                Governor