NAIFA’s Texas chapter (NAIFA-TX) held a successful legislative event last week, with several dozen participants. The annual Day at the Capitol was planned as a hybrid event, with both in-person and virtual attendees. However, the lingering effects of recent winter storms required NAIFA-TX to quickly shift to an all-virtual event.

Despite this last-minute change, NAIFA-TX members met virtually with 34 legislators or their policy staff between Feb. 23 and Feb. 25. Another three meeting were scheduled but were postponed and will be held soon. The event also included a meeting during which NAIFA members discussed their state legislative priorities for the coming year. These include:

• Supporting legislation (HB 1777) that would enact the NAIC’s revised annuities transaction model, which would protect consumers by requiring financial professionals to act their best interests.
• Legislation (HB 437) to add a financial literacy course to the state’s high school graduation requirements.

“Our members overcame serious challenges during a pandemic and following an extraordinary winter storm to make this legislative event a great success,” said NAIFA-TX Government Relations Manager Bianca Alonso. “Despite the necessary pivot away from in-person meetings, we were able to strengthen our connections with state lawmakers, tell them stories about the great work insurance and financial professionals do in our state, and advocate for policies that promote financial security for all Texans.”