Texas Watch’s core mission is to strengthen consumer protections and ensure that our legal system is open and accessible for all Texans — not just the powerful few. Our thousands of citizen activists are committed to ensuring fairness and accountability in the insurance marketplace and balance in our courts.
We are dedicated to fighting for legal and insurance reforms that give average Texans the legal protections they need. We provide Texas families with a platform to become engaged in the political and legislative process through direct advocacy for real legal and insurance reforms. Our goal is to strengthen protections for children and seniors, lower insurance rates, provide safer workplaces and neighborhoods, and level the playing field for homeowners and small businesses.
After last night's storms ripped through Central and South Texas, property owners are assessing the damage to their homes and businesses. Executive Director Ware Wendell released the following statement regarding the Blue Tarp Bills (SB 10 and HB 1774), which would make it even more difficult for Texas policyholders to have their claims paid in full and on time after disasters like last night's storm.
SB 10 and HB 1774, more aptly referred to as the Blue Tarp Bills, burden all property owners in getting all property claims paid on time and in full. Families, businesses, schools, and churches with water damage, fire damage, windstorm damage, and more will have even more difficulty in starting the rebuilding process. If insurance lobbyists have their way, the state will be blanketed in blue tarps.
Ware Wendell, Executive Director of Texas Watch, released the following statement in response to the filing of SB 10 & HB 1774 (i.e., the "Blue Tarp Bills"):
