The House Committee on Insurance

83rd Legislature

December 3, 2014

10:00 a.m.

E2.036

Pursuant to a notice posted on November 18, 2014, the House Committee on Insurance met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Smithee, at 10:14 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Smithee; Morrison; Sheets; Taylor, Van; and Turner, Chris.

A quorum was present.

(Representative Bonnen, Greg now present.)

The chair laid out Interim Charge 6: Make recommendations for any necessary reforms to address the long-term stability of the residual market for workers' compensation insurance in this state.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Eiland now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The chair laid out Interim Charge 1: Monitor the effects of the Affordable Care Act on the availability and affordability of private health insurance coverage in Texas and on the health insurance market.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Muñoz, Jr. now present.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The chair laid out Interim Charge 2: Evaluate options to expand transparency in the health care marketplace and facilitate informed consumer choice. Monitor the implementation of prior legislation to encourage transparency and adequacy of health care provider networks. Review prior legislative attempts to achieve greater transparency and the effectiveness of regulatory efforts to minimize the negative impacts on consumers related to out-of-network service disputes.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Sheets in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee took testimony on Charge 1.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Smithee in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee took testimony on Charge 1 and Charge 2.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee took testimony on Charge 1 and Charge 2.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The committee took testimony on Charge 2.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Eiland in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Smithee in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

The chair laid out Interim Charge 5: Examine the following aspects of the Texas auto insurance market:

• Methods to decrease the rate of uninsured drivers, including an evaluation of the success of current programs and possible improvements; and

• The benefits and drawbacks of prohibiting or restricting the use of "named driver" auto insurance policies.

(Representative Eiland in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Smithee in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 5:13 p.m., on the motion of Representative Eiland and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Smithee, Chair

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Beth Klunder, Clerk