S.B. No. 978

AN ACT

relating to public information regarding workers' compensation insurance rate filings.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 2053.004, Insurance Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2053.004. PUBLIC [INSPECTION OF] INFORMATION. (a) Each filing made, including any supporting information filed, under this subchapter is [open to] public information subject to Chapter 552, Government Code, including any applicable exception from required disclosure under that chapter [inspection as of the date the filing is made].

(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 2. Section 2053.004, Insurance Code, as amended by this Act, applies 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 as it existed immediately before the effective date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

______________________________ ______________________________

President of the Senate Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 978 passed the Senate on April 14, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________ Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 978 passed the House on May 19, 2015, by the following vote: Yeas 146, Nays 0, two present not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

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Date

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Governor