Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus recently released his 82^nd Legislature interim committee charges.  These initial charges, with more to follow, for 33 House committees, and the subsequent recommendations, will provide a blueprint for legislation to be considered during the 83^rd Regular Session of the Texas Legislature in 2013.

The Texas House Insurance Committee was given 3 charges of interest to NAIFA-Texas members:

1. Study whether Texas would benefit from allowing purchases of health insurance coverage across state lines.  Examine the options available to facilitate such purchases, and include consideration of how to guarantee appropriate consumer protections.
2. Monitor implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, including any changes that may result from ongoing litigation or legislative modification or repeal.  The Insurance Committee with work with the House Committee on Public Health on this issue.
3. Monitor the agencies and programs under the committee’s jurisdiction including the implementation of House Bill 3 regarding the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.

NAIFA-Texas will monitor the interim hearings for any potential recommendations or legislation that could affect agents.