| |
| |
|
|
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
|
|
AN ACT
|
|
|
relating to claim-handling deadlines in the event of certain |
|
|
weather-related catastrophes or natural disasters. |
|
|
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
|
|
SECTION 1. Section 542.059, Insurance Code, is amended by |
|
|
amending Subsection (b) and adding Subsections (c) and (d) to read |
|
|
as follows: |
|
|
(b) In the event of a weather-related catastrophe or major |
|
|
natural disaster in which the commissioner estimates the amount of |
|
|
losses will total at least $5 million and the number of claims will |
|
|
total at least 3,000 in the aggregate for all insurers [, as defined
|
|
|
by the commissioner], the claim-handling deadlines imposed under |
|
|
this subchapter are extended for an additional 15 days. |
|
|
(c) The department shall issue a bulletin to notify insurers |
|
|
of an extension under Subsection (b) not later than the fifth day |
|
|
after the date the weather-related catastrophe or major natural |
|
|
disaster occurs. The department may request information from an |
|
|
insurer about the insurer's estimated amount of losses or total |
|
|
number of claims. Information that an insurer voluntarily provides |
|
|
to the department under this section is confidential and not |
|
|
subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code. |
|
|
(d) In the event that the governor issues a disaster |
|
|
declaration under Section 418.014, Government Code, a |
|
|
claim-handling deadline under this subchapter is extended for 15 |
|
|
days for a county specified in the declaration. The department |
|
|
shall issue a bulletin to notify insurers of an extension under this |
|
|
subsection. |
|
|
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011. |