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For more Texas-related P&C insurance information and news, visit the ICT website
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ICT's Weekly Legislative Roundup
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 Texas Legislative Session Hits Midpoint: Key Insurance Bills AdvanceÂ
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The bill filing deadline has passed, and we are now halfway through the 89th legislative session. A total of 8,616 bills have been introduced—5,590 in the House and 3,026 in the Senate—marking a 7% increase from last session. The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) is closely monitoring 616 bills, including 119 priority measures. Below is a summary of key legislative developments this week and a preview of important upcoming hearings.
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This week, SB 264 by Sen. Charles Perry was heard in the Senate Business & Commerce Committee. The bill would discontinue the group self-insurance guaranty fund under the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act. A similar measure reached the governor’s desk last session but was ultimately vetoed due to a broader push to prioritize property tax cuts. ICT testified in support of the bill. Meanwhile, SB 213 by Sen. Royce West, which prohibits insurers from requiring consumers to bundle multiple personal lines policies as a condition of coverage, was voted out of the same committee. ICT submitted written comments and worked with the senator’s office to refine the language. The committee substitute relocates the language to a new Subchapter F in Chapter 551 but retains references to Chapter 541, potentially leading to unintended consequences. The substitute excludes personal umbrella policies, flood insurance policies, and “windstorm and hail insurance” policies (which appears to refer to Texas Windstorm Insurance Association policies).
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SB 495 by Sen. Kevin Sparks, which restricts the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) from adopting ESG-related regulations unless explicitly authorized by statute, passed the full Senate on a 22-9 vote.
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Looking ahead, SB 1006 by Sen. Mayes Middleton is now on the Senate Intent Calendar and could be debated as early as Monday. The bill would require insurers to provide written reasons for policy declinations, cancellations, and nonrenewals. The committee substitute adds a new Section 551.006, requiring insurers to submit quarterly reports to TDI detailing the reasons for these decisions. The reports must follow a format prescribed by the commissioner and be organized by ZIP code. Sen. Middleton’s office has indicated that a floor amendment will be added to require TDI to publish these reports online. ICT has raised concerns about how this reporting requirement could impact the industry and continues working with the senator’s office to ensure the language is more workable.
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Several key committee hearings are taking place this week:
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Monday, March 24:Â The Senate Water, Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee will hear SB 7 (Perry), which would use premium tax revenue to fund water projects.
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Tuesday, March 25:Â The House Subcommittee on Workforce will consider HB 2488 (Bell), allowing contested case hearings (CCHs) to be held remotely under certain conditions.
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Wednesday, March 26:Â The House Insurance Committee will take up HB 2067 (Paul), the companion to SB 1006, as well as HB 2275 (Morgan), a bill requiring surplus lines insurance arbitration agreements to be conducted under Texas law.
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Also Wednesday:Â The House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee will discuss HB 149 (Capriglione), which aims to regulate the use of artificial intelligence.
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Thursday, March 27:Â The Senate Business & Commerce Committee will hear several insurance-related bills.
- SB 458 (Schwertner):Â Establishes an appraisal process for disputed losses under personal auto and residential property insurance policies.
- SB 819 (Kolkhorst, et al.):Â Regulates renewable energy generation facilities and authorizes related fees.
- SB 1238 (Kolkhorst, et al.): Prohibits insurance discrimination based on marital status following a spouse’s death.
- SB 1642 (Schwertner):Â Revises the composition, appointment, and qualifications for the state insurance commission.
- SB 1643 (Schwertner):Â Requires prior approval for certain property and casualty insurance rate changes.
- SB 1644 (Schwertner):Â Addresses the use of consumer credit scores in underwriting or rating personal lines property and casualty policies.
- SB 1791 (Middleton):Â Establishes guidelines for handling unresponsive insureds under personal auto policies.
ICT will continue to monitor and engage on these issues as the session progresses.
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Tune into the latest episode of ICT on P&C, where Albert Betts, Executive Director of the Insurance Council of Texas, joins Jon Schnautz, Legal and Legislative Advocacy Counsel, and Angie Cervantes, Government & Legislative Affairs Manager, to discuss the ongoing 89th Legislative Session. Get insights on key insurance-related bills and what the March 24 bill filing deadline means for Texas insurers and consumers.
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Watch Here
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2025 ICT Property & Casualty Insurance Symposium
When: September 17-18, 2025
Where: Renaissance Austin Hotel, Austin, TX
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The ICT Property & Casualty Insurance Symposium is your must-attend event for the latest legislative updates, emerging trends, and networking opportunities. Early Bird Registration is open — secure your discounted tickets!
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2025 ICT Workers' Compensation Conference
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When: September 15-16, 2025
Where: Renaissance Austin Hotel, Austin, TX
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Join us at the 2025 ICT Workers' Comp Conference for expert insights on mental health, AI in claims, fraud prevention, and more. Early Bird Registration is opening soon—don’t miss your chance to save on your tickets!
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ICT Education Foundation Impact Report
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ICT Education Foundation Impact Report: Changes to the Board of Trustees
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In 2024, John Henle, president of Berkley Southwest, was been named president of the ICT Education Foundation Board of Trustees, bringing industry expertise and a passion for developing future insurance leaders. He succeeded Tony Gonzalez, who had stepped down after leading the board since its inception in 2007. Additionally, longtime trustee Joe Johnson is retiring from the board after years of dedicated service. Their contributions have shaped the Foundation’s success.Â
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Read the 2024 ICT Education Foundation Impact Report to learn more about its mission and impact.
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Keeping up with rates: Home insurance increases cause concern for Bay Area residents
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Texas homeowners are facing rising insurance premiums, with rates increasing 23% from 2022 to 2023—the highest jump in the nation. The state's file-and-use system allows insurers to raise rates without prior approval, and some companies are limiting policies or leaving the market due to risk. Lawmakers are considering bills to increase transparency and incentivize competition, while the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) is seeing increased demand.
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Key Points:
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Texas' file-and-use system lets insurers raise rates without state approval; no 2024 rate filings were denied by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
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Premiums in Texas rose 23% from 2022 to 2023, compared to an 11% national average increase.
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TWIA policies have surged in Brazoria and Galveston counties, rising 36% and 45.8%, respectively, since 2019.
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House Bill 2067 would require insurers to explain policy cancellations, while HB 1576 proposes grants for hurricane loss mitigation.
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Some lawmakers advocate for competition incentives over rate caps, fearing government-imposed limits could push insurers out of Texas.
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Every Texan might have to pony up to insure the Gulf coast
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Texas homeowners saw insurance rates rise 21.1% in 2023, following a 10.8% increase in 2022, as risks and costs continue to climb. Meanwhile, the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), which insures coastal properties, has struggled to raise rates despite growing financial strain. With Hurricane Beryl depleting TWIA’s reserve fund, all Texas policyholders could eventually share the cost of coastal losses.
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Key Points:
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TWIA was created in 1971 as an insurer of last resort for coastal properties, but it is not a state agency.
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TWIA’s current rates are 38% below what actuaries say is needed for residential coverage and 45% below for commercial properties.
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Hurricane Beryl resulted in 32,000 claims totaling $480 million, nearly depleting TWIA’s $450 million reserve fund.
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Despite increased risk exposure—covering $114 billion in coastal property—TWIA’s requests for rate hikes have been repeatedly rejected.
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If TWIA’s funding runs out, all Texas property insurance policyholders could be forced to cover coastal losses.
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Storms, snowmelt, and rising rivers fueling flood risks: IBC
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Flooding is an increasing risk for Canadian homeowners, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall, river overflow, and snowmelt. The summer of 2024 saw record-breaking insured losses from extreme weather, including urban flooding in Toronto and Hurricane Debbie in Quebec. As flood events become more frequent, understanding insurance options and risk management is essential.
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Key Points:
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Standard home insurance does not typically cover flooding; homeowners must add optional flood coverage.
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Flood insurance can cover water damage from overflowing rivers, heavy rain, and groundwater seepage, but policies vary by insurer.
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Preventative measures like sump pumps, backflow valves, and water-resistant materials can help reduce flood damage.
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Homeowners should document damage, contact their insurer immediately, and review their policy after a flood.
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Municipal flood maps and resources like Flood Smart Canada can help homeowners assess their risk and explore insurance options.
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Gallagher Re estimates insured losses of up to $3bn from March US Tornado outbreak
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A powerful storm system from March 13-16, 2025, resulted in over 100 confirmed tornadoes, destructive hail, and wildfires, with insured losses estimated between $1-3 billion. This marks the first billion-dollar severe convective storm (SCS) event of the year, with the peak season still ahead. The storm highlights the growing financial impact of SCS events, which have exceeded $123 billion in insured losses over the past two years.
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Key Points:
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More than 100 tornadoes were confirmed, including 10 rated EF3 and three EF4, along with severe hail, damaging winds, and wildfires.
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The storm primarily impacted the Midwest, Southeast, and East Coast, with most wind and hail damage covered by standard insurance policies.
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In 2023 and 2024, the U.S. saw a record 10 multi-billion-dollar SCS events each year, with total insured losses exceeding $123 billion.
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Rising losses are driven by urban expansion, inflation, and higher construction costs, alongside climate change.
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Despite advance warnings, more than 40 people lost their lives in the recent outbreak.
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Check out all things ICT!
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The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) is on the lookout for knowledgeable and engaging speakers for our 2025 events! We are looking for experts to discuss industry trends at our upcoming gatherings, including:
- Quarterly ICT Webinar Series
- Workers' Comp Conference:Â September 15-16, 2025
- P&C Insurance Symposium:Â September 17-18, 2025, in Austin, TX
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We’re seeking speakers to cover critical industry trends, topics such as:
- Emerging topics and innovations
- Legal developments affecting insurance
- AI and technology: challenges and opportunities
- Resiliency strategies for businesses and communities
- Insights on the future of the insurance industry
If you have suggested topics, would like to request a speaker or would like to present at one of ICT's events, click here to let us know.
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