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For more Texas-related P&C insurance information and news, visit the ICT website
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 Texas Special Legislative Session UnderwayÂ
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The first called special session of the 89th Texas Legislature convened July 21. Limited to the 18 issues outlined by the governor, the session can last up to 30 days, and lawmakers have already filed more than 100 bills. The governor’s call includes items ranging from THC regulation and property tax relief to redistricting and ending taxpayer-funded lobbying.
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While none of the proposed items specifically target property and casualty insurance, two disaster-related topics—focused on natural disaster preparedness and flood relief funding—could lead to discussions involving coverage and claims. We will continue monitoring for any developments related to the insurance industry’s role in flood recovery and share updates as they arise.
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 Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding AnnouncedÂ
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In response to the catastrophic floods that struck Texas in early July, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced the formation of joint select committees on disaster preparedness and flooding. This past week, both chambers named members to serve. The committees will meet jointly throughout the special session to evaluate flood response and explore solutions.
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The first hearing is scheduled for July 23 at the Capitol, with a second hearing set for July 31 in Kerrville to gather testimony from impacted communities.
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Members of the House Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding are Chair Ken King; Vice Chair Armando Martinez; and Reps. Greg Bonnen, Drew Darby, Ann Johnson, A.J. Louderback, Joe Moody, Wes Virdell and Terry Wilson.
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Members of the Senate Select Committee are Chair Charles Perry; Vice Chair Pete Flores; and Sens. Paul Bettencourt, César Blanco, Donna Campbell, Adam Hinojosa, Lois Kolkhorst, José Menéndez and Charles Schwertner.
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 TDI Issues Guidance on HB 2067 ImplementationÂ
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The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has issued Commissioner’s Bulletin B-008-25, outlining its plans to implement House Bill 2067, passed during the 89th Texas Legislature.
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HB 2067 requires all property and casualty insurers, including farm mutuals, to submit written quarterly reports beginning Jan. 1, 2026. These reports must summarize the reasons for application declinations, cancellations and nonrenewals.
Implementation will occur in three phases:
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Phase 1: Residential property and private passenger auto – TDI will soon propose rule changes to existing statistical plans and issue compliance guidance.
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Phase 2: Certain commercial lines – Rules will be proposed to update the Commercial Lines Statistical Plan.
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Phase 3: All other applicable lines – TDI will explore reporting methods and provide additional instructions.
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 DWC Holds Quarterly Carrier MeetingÂ
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The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) held its quarterly meeting for health care providers and insurance carriers on July 15, both in person and virtually. Commissioner Jeff Nelson provided opening remarks, followed by program updates from DWC staff. Highlights included implementation efforts for legislation passed during the session—most notably HB 2488, which allows virtual contested case hearings with mutual agreement. DWC began offering these hearings on July 7 and anticipates forthcoming rules addressing logistics and evidentiary procedures. ICT members can access a full meeting summary from Burns Anderson Jury and Brenner on the ICT Info Hub.
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 Workers’ Comp Boot Camp Returns July 22 to Support Health Care ProvidersÂ
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Free DWC training series covers key topics in workers’ compensation
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The Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) will bring back its popular Workers’ Comp Boot Camp on July 22, 2025. Designed for health care providers, this free, eight-part virtual series offers essential training on the fundamentals of workers’ compensation in Texas.
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Participants will gain insights into:
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The basics of the Texas workers’ compensation system
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Billing procedures and professional reimbursement
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Preauthorization, medical necessity, and utilization review
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Understanding medical bill denials tied to compensability, extent of injury, and liability
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The medical fee dispute resolution process
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Best practices for return-to-work guidance and completing the work status report
Each session will help providers better navigate the system and improve outcomes for injured employees.
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For more information or to register, visit DWC’s website.
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 ICT Attends NCOIL: Meeting Explores Insurance Model Laws, Emerging IssuesÂ
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The summer meeting of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) brought together 72 legislators from 34 states to explore model laws on key insurance issues. ICT Legal and Legislative Advocacy Counsel Jon Schnautz attended to track developments that may impact Texas. Topics included the use of aerial imagery in underwriting, revisions to credit-based and storm-related models, and a new draft model on artificial intelligence in insurance. Discussions on workers’ compensation subrogation also continued.
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Members can read the full meeting summary by logging into their ICT Member InfoHub.
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 The 2024/2025 ICT Annual Report is Available Â
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Take a deeper look at the Insurance Council of Texas 2024/2025 Annual Report to see how we’re supporting our members and strengthening the insurance industry in Texas. From legislative advocacy and regulatory updates to public safety campaigns, education initiatives, and industry events, the report highlights the work we’ve done and the impact we’ve made. You’ll also find updates on the ICT Education Foundation, member communications, and our growing list of associate members. We encourage you to share the report with your colleagues and leadership.Â
Download the full report now!
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Join us in Austin for the 2025 ICT Property & Casualty Insurance Symposium
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 September 17–18, 2025 | Renaissance Austin Hotel
Texas’ P&C insurance market is changing fast—this is your chance to stay ahead. Don’t miss two packed days of insight, networking, and expert analysis.
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Highlights include:
🔹 2025 Legislative Recap – What passed, what changed, and how it affects you
🔹 State of the Market – Trends, shifts, and what’s next for P&C
🔹 Wildfire Risk in Texas – Are we headed down California’s path?
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 ICT in the News:Â
As Texans start to rebuild after the floods, many face the reality of being uninsured
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As Texans begin the long road to recovery following deadly July 4 weekend floods, many are discovering their homes are uninsured for flood damage. Only a small percentage of homeowners in Texas hold federal flood insurance, especially in hard-hit inland areas like Travis County. Richard Johnson, director of communications for the Insurance Council of Texas, emphasized that many residents tend to drop coverage over time—a phenomenon he calls “catastrophe amnesia.”
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Key Points:
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Flood insurance is rare in Texas: Only 7% of Texas homeowners have federal flood insurance, dropping to 2% in inland counties like Travis and Kerr—some of the hardest hit.
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Many assume they're covered—but aren't: Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage, leaving many unaware they are vulnerable.
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Flood policies often lapse: Richard Johnson noted that Texans often purchase flood insurance after disasters but let it expire as time passes and flooding doesn’t recur.
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Federal aid falls short: FEMA assistance maxes out at $87,200 but typically pays far less—around $5,400 on average—offering little help in areas where home values exceed $500,000.
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State relief may be on the way:Â Lawmakers will consider a proposed flood relief fund during a special legislative session, but it remains unclear how much support will reach individual homeowners.
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 Industry News:Â
Geography and Driving Behavior Contribute to High Flood Death Rates in Texas
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Texas has recorded more flood-related deaths than any other state, due largely to its geography, terrain, and fast-growing population. A 2021 study found that Texas accounted for nearly one-fifth of all U.S. flood fatalities between 1959 and 2019. Experts say many of these deaths are preventable with better warning systems and increased public awareness.
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Key Points:
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Texas ranks No. 1 in flood deaths: From 1959 to 2019, Texas saw 1,069 flood fatalities—370 more than the next closest state, Louisiana, and nearly 20% of all U.S. flood deaths in the Lower 48.
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Geography and terrain drive risk: Central Texas—known as "flash flood alley"—features steep hills, rocky terrain, and urban sprawl that accelerate water runoff and limit absorption.
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Most deaths occur in vehicles:Â About 58% of flood deaths involved people in cars or trucks; many tried to drive through water, especially at night or after bypassing barricades.
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Warnings could save lives:Â Professor Hatim Sharif and other experts stress the need for real-time flood forecasting and targeted road closures to reduce fatalities.
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Men are most at risk:Â Roughly 62% of flood victims were male, with researchers linking risk-taking behavior to the higher death rate among men.
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 Industry News:Â
Global Insured Catastrophe Losses Hit $100 Billion in First Half of 2025
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Global insured losses from natural disasters surpassed $100 billion in the first half of 2025, the second-highest total ever recorded, according to preliminary data from Aon. The U.S. accounted for more than 90% of these losses, making it the costliest first half on record for the country. Driven by wildfires, tornadoes, and severe storms, the economic and insurance impact is prompting urgent calls for resilience and reform.
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Key Points:
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U.S. dominates global losses: The U.S. saw $92 billion in insured losses and $126 billion in total economic losses — both record-setting for the first half of any year.
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Historic wildfires and storm outbreaks: California’s Palisades and Eaton fires caused over $57 billion in damage, while March and May storms produced $16 billion in insured losses, ranking among the five costliest weather events in U.S. history.
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Tornado activity surges:Â With 1,299 preliminary tornado reports through June, 2025 is on pace to be one of the 10 most active tornado years since 2000.
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Insurance gaps expose vulnerabilities:Â Despite a record-low global protection gap (38%), regions like Myanmar and parts of St. Louis revealed major coverage shortfalls, especially among renters and low-income homeowners.
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Resilience and reform needed: Research shows asphalt shingle roofs—used on 75% of U.S. homes—can fail after just 8-10 years, urging stronger construction standards as climate risks rise.
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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
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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