Oh, the joys of the insurance industry. Way back when the House was having all the fun, Patrick Rose added an amendment onto HB 4 - the liar's affidavit bill - that'd make insurance companies happy and anyone with a car sad. Sen. Janek, HB 4's sponsor, removed the amendment from the committee substitute, but it was added back into the bill on the floor.
What's the amendment about? Cue Texas Watch:
Under the terms of the amendment, insurers must use one of three options when assessing the value of an automobile after an accident. If an insurance company uses one of these three methods of valuation, the driver is not allowed to contest their decision in court, leaving the policyholder with no opportunity to prove the car's true value.This is a key change form current law. The current standard allows policyholders to challenge an insurance valuation if they believe it is below fair market value.
HB 4 is now on its way back to the House, where they can accept Senate changes and sent it to the Guv or opt for the joy that is a conference committee.
Moral of the story? If you're going to total your car, do it now.
Exactly what does this have to do with school finance?
Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot there is alway time for this legislature to pass bills to payback their campaign contributors.
Is he channeling Joe Nixon now?
If this was so bad why did all the insurance boys show up to testify against this amendment in Senate Finance
Why is anyone surprised? Patrick Rose kisses republican ass so thinking it will help him in a statewide run for office.
Ambitious isn't he?
LubbockDem:
Have you checked the bills filed recently? I was just perusing last night (looking at numbers, not content; I didn't want to get too depressed.)
(Senate) Number of Bills: 190
(House) Number of Bills: 63
HR 408
Author: Hamric
Sponsor: none
Last Action: 05/04/2006 H Reported enrolled
Electing the children of house members to the honorary office of mascot.
And apparently, Rep. Quintanilla doesn't have anything better to do. According to my count, (he/she?) filed 25 frickin' bills "Honoring...outstanding volunteer[s] with the San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society."
This is rich:
HR 344
Author: Bonnen
Sponsor: none
Last Action: 05/03/2006 H Reported enrolled
Recognizing May 10, 2006, as Texas Environmental Excellence Awards Day at the Capitol.
The House has filed a lot more than 63 bills
Huh? I interpreted Rose's amendment as a deft little move to tag a bit of consumer protection onto the car value bill. The insurance industry would have to pay Blue Book value; they couldn't lowball someone if the car was totalled. I think Texas Watch got it wrong here.
i think blue has it right. this was actually a consumer protection thing. currently, your challenge to an adjuster's valuation of your car was fought in court and good luck going against State Farm's army of lawyers. the insurance companies would usually just wait out a claimant knowing they'd have to settle.
Rose's amendment was good.
It became bad in the Senate when they changed Rose's amendment to make it insurance company friendly.
So, Janek has insurer DICK up his ass?
Anon:
You're right. Dang Cut/Paste/Leave off the 8.
House has filed 638 bills.
Here's hoping Al Edwards files another "Sexy Cheerleading" bill.
RSS
Rose? WTF? He's supposed to be one of the good guys.
Last man standing, indeed.