Accountability

For Immediate Release

Texas Watch requested Thursday that the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) investigate the insurance industry’s corner cutting automobile repairs. The request urges TDI to take vigorous enforcement action to discourage the practice and uphold the agency’s statutory duty to “protect and ensure the fair treatment of consumers.”

Deputy Director Tori Sommerman released the following statement:

In light of recent reporting (here, here, and here) on the insurance industry’s corner cutting on automobile repairs, Texas Watch has requested

Yesterday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) took an important step in the fight against forced arbitration. The consumer watchdog announced a new rule to ban companies from using mandatory arbitration clauses that prevent consumers from banning together in court.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday 218-210 in favor of H.R. 1215, more aptly referred to as the Patient Death Act. The bill puts road blocks in the way of justice for injured patients and their families and greatly reduces accountability for unsafe hospitals and incompetent doctors. We've tried restrictive laws like this in Texas, and the results have been tragic for patients. 

Insurance companies already have too much power, and they’re getting even more in September when a dangerous new law goes into effect. House Bill 1774 slashes penalties for property insurers that wrongfully delay storm claims, forces many insurance disputes into federal court where it takes twice as long to receive justice, and imposes additional costs on policyholders. The law guts the property rights of homeowners, business owners, churches, and schools, threatening access to justice for many.

Texas Watch, along with over 80 national and state organizations, has asked the U.S. House of Representatives to reject a bill that puts road blocks in the way of justice for injured patients and their families. H.R. 1215 greatly reduces the accountability of unsafe hospitals and incompetent doctors and puts the legal rights of patients at risk. 

Take one minute to tell your member of Congress to protect patients and preserve accountability here. 

For Immediate Release

On a vote of 21-8, the Texas Senate gave preliminary approval to HB 1774 today, one of the #BlueTarpBills. The legislation slashes the penalty for property insurers that wrongfully delay weather-related claims, forces many cases into federal court where it takes twice as long to receive justice, and adds cost and uncertainty for property owners who attempt to legally challenge insurers' decisions.

Executive Director Ware Wendell released the following statement:

HB 5 seeks to improve the foster care system. But a dangerous immunity amendment tacked on in the Senate would give immunity to private contractors that make placement decisions. If they negligently place these children in the hands of predators, these private entities should face full accountability. Immunity only leads to danger. Keep kids safe. Oppose this immunity amendment.

Cheaters should never win. But tomorrow, the Texas House will debate legislation that would let cheating landlords off the hook.

Under Texas law, landlords are not allowed to profit from water and can only pass along the actual cost of the utility to their tenants. When scamming landlords are caught hiking up these charges, tenants can band together and hold them accountable in court. There’s strength in numbers, allowing individual tenants to stand up to large, out-of- state apartment management companies.