SB213 - Relating to prohibiting insurers from requiring the tying of residential property and personal automobile insurance policies.

      S.B. No. 213         AN ACT   relating to prohibiting insurers from requiring the tying of   residential property and personal automobile insurance policies.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 551, Insurance Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter F to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER F. CONTINGENCY OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND PERSONAL   AUTOMOBILE POLICIES           Sec.   551.251.     DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter, "personal   automobile insurance" and "residential property insurance" have   the meanings assigned by Section 38.002.           Sec. 551.252.     APPLICABILITY OF SUBCHAPTER. This subchapter   applies to an authorized insurer writing property and casualty   insurance in this state, including:                 (1)  a county mutual insurance company;                 (2)  a Lloyd's plan;                 (3)  a reciprocal or interinsurance exchange;                 (4)  a farm mutual insurance company; and                 (5)  a fire or casualty insurance company.           Sec.   551.253.     EXEMPTIONS. This subchapter does not apply   to:                 (1)     an insurance policy delivered, issued for   delivery, or renewed by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association;                 (2)     a flood insurance policy delivered, issued for   delivery, or renewed under the National Flood Insurance Program; or                 (3)  a personal umbrella insurance policy.           Sec.   551.254.     REQUIRED TYING OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY AND   PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE POLICIES.   (a)   It is an unfair method of   competition or an unfair or deceptive act or practice in the   business of insurance under Chapter 541 to:                 (1)     make the issuance, delivery, or renewal of a   residential property insurance policy contingent on the purchase of   a personal automobile insurance policy from the same insurer or an   affiliated insurer; or                 (2)     make the issuance, delivery, or renewal of a   personal automobile insurance policy contingent on the purchase of   a residential property insurance policy from the same insurer or an   affiliated insurer.           (b)     Notwithstanding Subchapter D, Chapter 541, or any other   law, a person may not bring a private action against an insurer or   an agent or representative of an insurer for a method, act, or   practice described by this section. This subsection does not limit   the authority of the attorney general to bring an action as provided   by Subchapter E or F, Chapter 541.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.               ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                 I hereby certify that S.B. No. 213 passed the Senate on   March 27, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 30, Nays 0; and that   the Senate concurred in House amendment on May 26, 2025, by the   following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.       ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate                I hereby certify that S.B. No. 213 passed the House, with   amendment, on May 21, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 145,   Nays 1, two present not voting.       ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House            Approved:     ______________________________                Date       ______________________________              Governor