Blog Post
April 19, 2013
Rarely do Texas trial lawyers and “red mea”t Republicans find common ground. But they did this week on the Texas House floor during the statewide texting-while-driving ban debate. A similar measure was vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry in 2011. However, state Rep. Tom Craddick, R-Midland, is hopeful this year’s version will win his approval. H.B, [...]
Policy Brief
April 9, 2013
The Texas Legislature is considering changes to its reinsurance collateral rules based on the updated Credit for Reinsurance Model Law promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. This briefing offers a summary outline of what reinsurance collateral is, and how moving to a more modern system will benefit Texas consumers. photo by: rcbodden
News Release
March 6, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas (March 6, 2013) -– The R Street Institute today welcomed the introduction of legislation in the Texas House of Representatives creating an annual sales tax holiday for items that help Texans better prepare for hurricanes. Introduced by state Rep. Geanie Morrison, R-Victoria, H.B. 2271 would declare May 25 to May 31 each year [...]
Blog Post
February 28, 2013
This week, two important pieces of legislation began moving through the Texas Legislature. H.B. 1890 was filed by Rep. Phil Stephenson, R-Wharton, and S.B. 784 by Sen. Juan Hinojosa, R-Corpus Christi, was referred to the Senate Finance Committee. H.B. 1890 is based, in part, on the tough conflict of interest and internal controls standards in [...]
News Release
February 27, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 27, 2013) –- The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and Texas Public Finance Authority would be subject to stringent conflict of interests standards under new legislation filed by state Rep. Phil Stephenson, R-Wharton. “It’s time we began an extensive examination of these organizations. The taxpayers of Texas can’t afford otherwise,” Rep. Stephenson said. [...]
News Release
February 25, 2013
AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 25, 2013) –- The R Street Institute today welcomed the introduction of Texas legislation establishing a sales tax holiday for individuals and businesses who purchase storm shutters, electric generators and other items to better prepare for hurricanes. Under S.B. 784, introduced by state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, R-Corpus Christi, the Saturday before the [...]
Blog Post
February 12, 2013
The Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee heard testimony on S.B. 183 this morning. The bill establishes a more reasonable period of time for private insurance companies to respond to requests from the Texas Department of Insurance. Additionally, it exposes the financial cost of such demands by requiring TDI to disclose the nature of the [...]
Blog Post
February 2, 2013
Want to keep up with the Texas Legislature? If you are into high tech toys, then you are in luck. These are a few of my favorite tech things… On Twitter: A majority of Senate and House members have their own handles. For instance, Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, is @KHancock4TX and Rep. Rafael [...]
Blog Post
January 24, 2013
Yesterday, Texas state senators drew lots to determine if they would serve a two- or four-year term before defending their seats at the ballot box again. One of the unlucky ones to draw a two-year term was Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth. She won her seat by only a 2% margin in a $5 million [...]
Blog Post
January 11, 2013
Swearing in for the Texas Legislature will open with a sunnier financial outlook than previously expected. State Comptroller Susan Combs announced a $101.4 billion revenue estimate for the next biennium, in addition to $11 billion in the Rainy Day Fund, formally known as the Economic Stabilization Fund. Gov. Rick Perry and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst [...]
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