The

INSURANCE

RECORD THE VOICE OF TEXAS INSURANCE Published Since 1934 • Dallas, Texas June 4, 2009 • Vol. 75 No. 12

PIA Opposes Federal Commission to
Study State Workers Compensation Laws

WASHINGTON—Any effort by the federal government to set up a commission to study state workers’ compensation laws and practices is unjustified and a waste of taxpayers’ money, according to the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA).

Not Only No But …

PIA announced its opposition to H.R. 635, the “National Commission on State Workers’ Compensation Laws Act of 2009.”

The bill would create a commission tasked with evaluating the state-based workers’ compensation insurance system and making recommendations for improvements to the system.

“This is a typical Washington D.C. approach: appoint a commission, give it a big budget and create a big new bureaucracy,” said PIA National Government Affairs Committee Chairman Johnny Lee. “The fact is, none of this is necessary. Workers’ compensation programs are regulated by the states, not the federal government. The federal government should not seek to interfere in a state-based and state-regulated system. This is a waste of time and taxpayers dollars.”

The Bill’s Bio

Rep. Joe Baca (D-Calif.) introduced H.R. 635 on Jan. 22, 2009. It was referred to the House Committee on Educa- continued on page 5

Anti-Fraud Legislation
headed to Governor

In This Issue

TDI Posts April enforcement Actions

AUSTIN—Texas lawmakers took a huge step in curtailing the activities of today’s ambulance chasers by passing HB 148. The bill now on its way to Governor Perry for his signature makes it illegal for lawyers, chiropractors, and other health professionals to solicit the victims of auto accidents or catastrophes by telephone or in person.

Delta General Agency Celebrates 50 Years

Klien’s Catpool (hR 2555) Offers Nat’l. Risk-Spreading

PCI, Big “I” Praise Resurrection of house Surplus Lines Bill 10

The bill was aimed at telemarketers who contact crash victims by purchasing accident reports from local police departments. The crash victims are often told they need to visit a certain chiropractor whether they have been injured or not. While awaiting treatment, the crash victims are solicited by lawyers or people rep- continued on page 8

WSI Issues Updated 2009 hurricane Season Forecast

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Auto Thefts Driven Down Dramatically in Texas

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