Texas lawmakers entered the 2025 legislative session vowing to address skyrocketing home insurance costs, but walked away with few sweeping changes. Despite bipartisan support for tougher oversight and incentives for storm-resistant homes, most major proposals failed to gain traction. Albert Betts, executive director of the Insurance Council of Texas, was among the industry experts who testified during the session, weighing in on consumer impact and storm recovery funding.

 

Key points:

• Proposal to limit increases fails: Proposals to limit excessive rate hikes and create a $500 million grant program for storm-hardened homes, like Alabama’s successful Fortified model, failed to pass or receive funding.

• Consumer protections approved: Starting in September, insurers cannot raise rates solely due to a spouse’s death (the “widow’s penalty”), and consumers can request annual updates to credit reports used for underwriting.

• Stronger TWIA funding authorized: Lawmakers approved letting the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association borrow up to $1 billion from the state’s rainy day fund after disasters. Betts noted the average homeowner could see a $45 annual charge if fully utilized.

• Coastal schools get limited aid: While a broader insurance relief bill failed, $100 million was included in House Bill 2 to reimburse 14 coastal school districts for property insurance increases above the state average.

• Key reforms stalled in House: Bills to require regulatory approval for large rate hikes and add a consumer advocate to the state insurance commission passed the Senate but died in a House committee without a vote.

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) is urging residents to prepare now for potential storms. ICT’s Rich Johnson joined Eyewitness News to provide expert advice and address growing concerns about insurance coverage.

 

Key points:

• NOAA forecasts an above-normal hurricane season, including three to five major hurricanes, prompting early preparation efforts across Texas.

• ICT encourages purchasing flood insurance, noting that standard homeowners' policies do not cover flooding and flood policies require a 30-day waiting period to take effect.

• Homeowners should review their current insurance coverage, check deductibles, and document home contents to streamline the claims process.

• Creating a disaster plan and emergency kit is critical, alongside taking mitigation steps like trimming trees, sealing windows, and roof reinforcement.

• Johnson addressed insurance non-renewals, advising homeowners to shop around and highlighting that insurers often offer better terms to those who proactively reduce property risks.

Hurricane season officially began June 1, and forecasters expect above-average activity in the Atlantic this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 13 to 19 named storms, including up to five major hurricanes. Warmer ocean waters, fueled by climate change, are expected to intensify storms and increase inland flooding risks.

 

Key points:

• Storms could be stronger and more numerous: NOAA predicts 6 to 10 hurricanes, including 3 to 5 major ones with winds over 111 mph, due to warmer waters and increased atmospheric energy.

• Inland areas are at risk: Experts emphasize that inland communities face serious threats from flooding, wind, and tornadoes, not just coastal regions.

• Most hurricane deaths come from flooding: Water-related hazards — not wind — are the leading cause of fatalities from landfalling storms.

• Cuts to NOAA raise concerns: More than 500 NOAA and National Weather Service employees have been lost to staffing cuts and early retirements, prompting fears that forecast quality could decline as storm risks rise.

• 2025 storm names announced: This year’s storm names include Andrea, Dexter, Imelda, Rebekah, and Wendy, among others, selected by the World Meteorological Organization.

Despite a rocky and controversial path to the speakership, Rep. Dustin Burrows successfully led the Texas House through the 2025 legislative session with a strong conservative agenda and surprising bipartisan cooperation. After winning the gavel with the help of Democrats, Burrows faced criticism from the Republican right, but ultimately managed to align with key state leaders and deliver major GOP priorities. His leadership helped defuse much of the expected chaos, leaving him in a strengthened position heading into the next election cycle.

 

Key points:

• Contested Rise to Speaker: Burrows won the speakership after a bitter intra-party battle, defeating Rep. David Cook with the backing of 49 Democrats and 36 Republicans—sparking immediate criticism from GOP hardliners.

• Legislative Success: Burrows delivered nearly all major Republican priorities, including school vouchers, tougher bail laws, and socially conservative measures, while keeping many Democrats engaged but largely outvoted.

• Strategic Alliances: He distanced himself from former Speaker Dade Phelan, built rapport with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott, and made key committee appointments that balanced loyalty and outreach.

• Mixed Reactions: While conservatives complained about insufficient property tax relief, some Democrats felt misled after helping elect Burrows, particularly over bills targeting LGBTQ+ students and communities.

• Stability Going Forward: Burrows avoided the internal strife that marred previous leadership and appears poised to retain the speakership, having gained broader acceptance across the chamber.