The House Insurance Committee is expected to take up the TDI Sunset Bill this week, and homeowners across the state will be paying close attention to the proceedings. So far this session, information regarding the Texas Department of Insurance has been less than uplifting. Back in March, the Dallas Morning News brought to light some $117 million in Farmers Insurance refunds for policyholders that have been dragged through the courts… for seven years! Later, Insurance Commissioner Mike Geeslin decided to deliver an incomplete industry report. Indeed the commissioner inflated the “losses” column by leaving out “reinsurance recoveries,” . Such an oversight has the potential to mislead lawmakers and consumers alike; and in a state where homeowners’ paid premiums don’t match the damages incurred, one would expect a little more transparency and honesty out of the government.

And just a couple weeks ago, we saw a golden opportunity for real reform missed when the Senate voted to renew the flawed file-and-use system that allows companies to raise rates and stack up the cash before TDI even gets a chance to review. The Beaumont Enterprise called the whole thing “backward,” and I think that’s pretty much the last word on that. If only it were that easy, though—calling it out for what it is. In fact it takes courage and common sense from elected leaders to stand up to the insurance companies who see no problem with earning otherworldly profits on the backs of everyday Texans. It’s about time to usher some fairness back into the insurance market.