Texas Special Session Concludes

Department of Insurance Reauthorized (for now)

AUSTIN—The Texas Legislature has concluded its first

called Special Session after reauthorizing the Texas Depart-

ment of Insurance (TDI) for the next two years.

Doubt and Disappointment Having failed to pass a Sunset extension during the Regular Session that adjourned on June 1, 2009, the state legislature was called back into Special Session to do the deed.

All Texas state agencies must go through a sunset review process every twelve years. Without agency reauthorization, the TDI was slated to cease operations in September of 2010. The Special Session, called by Gov. Rick Perry, began on July 1 and concluded by July 3. The review and reauthorization of multiple state agencies was on the call of the Special Session.

“The Texas Legislature’s action to reauthorize TDI removes the cloud of doubt that has been hanging over the agency since the Legislature failed to pass legislation extending its operations during the Regular Session,” said Fred C. Bosse, AIA regional vice president. “We were disappointed that the TDI Sunset Bill fell victim to partisan politics earlier this year and placed its day-to-day operations in jeopardy. Now we know that the department will be conducting business as usual over the next two years until the Legislature’s sunset review in 2011,” added Bosse.

Acting with Enthusiasm & Alacrity

“Lawmakers enthusiastically supported continuation of important consumer protections along with balanced continued on page 5

Licenses Revoked in Senior
Citizen Telemarketing Scam

In This Issue

TDI Placards May enforcements 3

hCC Ins. holdings Forms Public Risk Subsidiary

AUSTIN—The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) revoked the licenses of three insurance agents found to have engaged in fraudulent or dishonest acts or practices under the Texas Insurance Code while selling annuities to senior citizens through a telemarketing operation.

Medlin Receives 2009 Drex

Foreman Award as IIAT Top Agent 6

Awake Now But Nightmare Continues by Kenneth R. Auerbach 8

By order of TDI, the General Life, Accident and Health licenses of William Anthony Osborne, Gene Michael McKinney Jr., and Casey Ray VanLoon were revoked. Osborne was owner of American Senior Estate Services (ASES), which employed agents including McKinney and VanLoon to market living trusts and sell annuities to senior citizens.

Few Complaints from Texas hurricane Claims

National Survey Finds Americans Want Choice in health Insurance 12

continued on page 18

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