Accountability

Episode 4: Texas Tells Podcast

The bill that burdens business. This month on Texas Tells, we spoke to Texas business owners about the Insurance Immunity Act or SB1628. The bill, which erodes crucial policyholder protections against low, slow, or no payment tactics by insurance companies, passed out of the Senate this week. In this month’s interview, Pampa hardware store owner Harold Price speaks out against the bill, arguing that it would shutter businesses across the state.

Sen. Taylor & TLR Can’t Defend Insurance Immunity Act. So, They’re Attacking Us.

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Sen. Larry Taylor and his allies at TLR want to distract attention from the terrible impact SB 1628 – the Insurance Immunity Act – would have on Texas families and businesses by resorting to direct attacks on Texas Watch.

Proponents of SB 1628 know that they cannot defend this bill on its merits. It speaks volumes that rather than debate the merits of the bill, they are making personal attacks.

TX Senate Chooses Insurance Immunity Over Texas Families & Businesses

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The Texas Senate gave preliminary approval to the Insurance Immunity Act – SB 1628 – today. After a procedural vote and a few “clean up” amendments expected tomorrow, the bill heads to the Texas House. Following is a statement from Alex Winslow, executive director of policyholder advocacy organization Texas Watch:

Preserve Policyholder Protections

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Policyholders pay premiums in exchange for a promise from their insurance company that claims will be paid in full and on time. Too often insurers fail to hold up their end of the bargain by unfairly denying, delaying, or underpaying valid claims. That’s why strong laws with stiff penalties – like those that have been codified in the Insurance Code for decades – are necessary to deter bad conduct.

Episode 3: “The Second Storm”

How do Texans rebuild in the wake of catastrophe? After devastating storms ravage their homes, businesses, and churches, many Texans faced a second storm: dealing with their insurance company. This month, we talked to policyholders about SB1628, the insurance industry’s effort to erode the last line of defense for policyholders against low, slow, or no payments on their valid claims. Then Executive Director Alex Winslow explains how the bill could negatively impact all Texans.

Episode 2: Local Control

Where did all the local control go? This week we’ll talk to Harris County Environmental Attorney Rock Owens and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins about preserving the right of local authorities to police their own communities without interference from state officials.

CORRECTION: In the pollution claim against International Paper and its subsidiaries, Harris County brought the suit, not the City of Houston.

Episode 1: The Heart and Lungs of Freedom

Created by citizen advocacy organization Texas Watch,“Texas Tells” broadcasts the untold stories of Texas families and consumers. The monthly podcast seeks to educate and empower Texans through citizen profiles, updates on state government action, and interviews with local officials.

How has so-called tort “reform” affected our 7th amendment right to a trial by jury? Texas Watch’s Ware Wendell will talk to us about that fundamental right, faith, free enterprise, and the founding fathers.

Our Take: Perry’s Farewell Address

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Gov. Rick Perry gave his farewell address before a joint session of the legislature today. He touted his record of severely restricting access to legal accountability, pointing specifically to sweeping 2003 legislation that closed the courthouse doors for countless Texans.

Even as he exits the stage, Gov. Perry is a cheerleader for his broken special interest policies that shield polluters, dangerous doctors, makers of dangerously defective products, and big insurance companies from accountability for needless physical and financial harm.

Safe Texas Agenda

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As our state’s economy thrives and our population booms, Texas families and communities face new threats to their physical and financial safety. We call on lawmakers to take steps during the 84th Legislature to help Texans thrive in our Texas economy by adopting a Safe Texas Agenda.