The House Insurance Committee convened Monday night and quickly passed the TDI Sunset bill without consideration of amendments. Less than two weeks remain in the Regular Legislative Session. Committee chairman John Smithee urged quick action on the bill, anticipating a large number of amendments on the House floor.

“I think this is a situation where the floor is going to be a very active participant in the process,” the Amarillo representative said.

The chairman is right. The clock is ticking on this session and there are many major bills yet to be considered. Though Smithee’s actions blindsided many Democratic members of the committee, the move may well push the major insurance bill to earlier consideration by the full House. The lively debate process on the floor will also provide the opportunity for many record votes on different aspects of insurance reform.

This process may result in more transparency than we’ve seen in a while. Texas voters will be able to see where their respective officeholders stand. Floor debate is expected to take place before the end of the week.