
The Senate Democrats held up the Texas Department of Insurance sunset legislation recently in a good faith effort to negotiate on behalf of Texans suffering under the weight of the highest rates in the country.
Opportunities to protect consumers through insurance reform dont come often in the Texas Legislature and we could not pass up this opportunity.
After long negotiations Senator Hegar agreed to several meaningful reforms favorable to consumers and we thank him. While its regrettable that stronger protections werent also amended into the bill on the floor were hopeful that the House will add even more consumer protections.
The Democrats have always supported moving this bill. However without the inclusion of todays amendments we could not support a vehicle for much-needed insurance reform.
Texans deserve better than the status quo when it comes to driving down insurance rates. We will continue to work with the House and ultimately with those on the conference committee on the legislation to ensure a Department of Insurance that protects consumers not the very insurance companies they are supposed to regulate.
The Senate Democrats will continue to ensure consumers have a strong voice in Austin; since it is clear that insurance industry lobbyists do.