Legislative Blog
J.B. Williams, J.D.
9 bills that modify the Insurance
A Blog about 88th Legislature Laws
A Bit of Background
The following backgrounds help summarize the author's views on both the general topic: Texas and more specifically 88th Legislature Laws as it relates to that topic.
Brief Summary of Texas
Texas is truly a Republic. There are a multitude of items that to modify the state constitution must be modified. So there are times when Constitutional amendments are on the voting ballots. While I sometimes abhor the wording, the concept that all of those legally able to vote in Texas must vote on the change is a good one. And bills in Texas are generally short, making it easier for everyone to understand.
Summary of 88th Legislature Laws
The blogs here will discuss the laws passed by Congress and signed into law, as well as those, passed by Congress and approved by the voters to become law. There are a multitude of laws and each time I post blogs I will notate here the current effective date if it is different from prior blogs. I am currently posting bills that took effect immediately - those bills total 336. I am currently posting regarding larger bills, so each blog covers a single bill.
Blog Summary
HB 2002
HB 2065
HB 2188
HB 2839
HB 3208 - wind insurance
HB 3310 - wind insurance
HB 3311 - wind insurance
HB 3673
HB 3813 - group benefits for educators
9 bills that modify the Insurance
Published: 2026-01-07
Multiple short modifications
HB 2002 - 3 pages
The insured gets credit for out-of-pocket expense if they pay a provider directly, even if there is not claim submitted, as long as the amount is less than the average discounted rate for the service.
HB 2065 - 3 pages
This permits an insurer to not renew if the insured does not cooperate during the defense of a third-party claim.
HB 2188 - 2 pages
To qualify as a statistical agent, they now only require a 2 year (rather than 5 year) experience in data collection, data maintenance, data quality control, accounting, and related areas.
HB 2839 - 4 pages
This section addresses insurance companies doing what is referred to as liquidity stress test and reporting this to the commission annually. This is meant to ensure that the insurance company shows that they have sufficient funds to pay out anticipated claims during the following year based upon criteria the commission sets.
HB 3208 - 4 pages
Insured may cancel their windstorm insurance through the state and receive a refund of unearned premiums, if it is cancelled to purchase other insurance or if the property is sold or if the property is a total loss or if it is determined that wind insurance is no longer needed.
HB 3310 - 3 pages
Appraisals must be made within an established period for windstorm insurance. The period will be set by the commissioner.
HB 3311 - 2 pages
Establishes guidelines for selecting board members for the state windstorm insurance.
HB 3673 - 4 pages
Previously small companies could exempt values for less than $300 million ordinary life premiums and less than $600 million combined life premiums for group life. Now the specific values are not there and all insurance companies have exemptions based upon previously existing guidelines.
HB 3813 - 3 pages
A person can participate in group benefits if they were employed for at least 10 years by a school, they have at least 10 years of eligible credits (5 of which can be military), they retire under the Teacher's Retirement System, and is at least 65.
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