NAIFA-TEXAS: ADVOCACY AT THE STATE LEVEL

Join NAIFA-Texas' Grassroot Army!

NAIFA-Texas remains a powerhouse on the advocacy front. Our members have always set the example of the importance of having relationships with legislators. As the 87th Legislative Session adjourned on May 31, 2021, NAIFA-Texas worked until the final deadline to ensure our priorities passed.

Below you will find a breakdown of bills filed that directly affect NAIFA-Texas, the overall amounts of bills filed/passed/vetoed, and a brief description of our legislative victories during the 87th #txlege!

Questions? Contact Renae Davies at exec@naifa-texas.org

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Breaking It Down

1% increase in bills filed from the 86th session
The Texas House passed 13% of bills filed
- 7% decrease from last session
The Texas Senate passed 18% of bills filed
- 4% decrease from last session

87th Legislative Session Accomplishments

During the 87th Legislative Session, NAIFA-Texas worked with associations and stakeholders to pass our top legislative priorities.

SB 1063 by Senator Carol Alvarado (House Sponsor: Rep. Ken King) – Personal financial literacy is the foundation for a stable financial future. Without it, our financial decisions, and the actions we take—or don't take—lack a foundation for success. SB 1063 will bring personal financial literacy to the graduation coursework for Texas Public High Schools. This bill will give the future business owners and entrepreneurs of Texas the tools and resources for a strong financial future! SB 1063 was signed by Governor Abbott on June 8, 2021.

HB 1777 by Representative Tom Oliverson, M.D. – In February 2020, the NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) finalized a model “Best Interest” standard that will ensure all agents and insurers must act in the best interest of the consumer. The model requires agents and carriers to act with “reasonable diligence, care, and skill” in making recommendations for annuity products. NAIFA National played a large role in the building of this “Best Interest” model and has asked all state legislatures to adopt this rule on the local level. During the 87th legislative session, Texas became the 12th state to adopt this model. We are honored to have partnered with TALHI (Texas Association of Life and Health Insurers) on supporting HB 1777. Governor Abbot signed HB 1777 on June 4, 2021.

NAIFA-Texas (Virtual) Day at the Capitol 2021

Our biennial Day at the Capitol event looked a little different this year. What was supposed to be a hybrid event became a fully virtual experience due to the aftermath of the Texas snowstorms. Despite this last-minute change, NAIFA-TX members met virtually with dozens of legislators or their policy staff between Feb. 23 and Feb. 25. To read more, please click here.

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What Do We Do During the Interim?

When the legislature is not in session, NAIFA-Texas is still working hard to protect your industry and the interest of your clients. We monitor the Texas Department of Insurance, the Texas State Securities Board, the Texas Ethics Commission, the Teacher Retirement System, and other agencies/organizations for new and changing rules.

We want to ensure we are present when there is a request for comments, subject matter expertise, or testimony.

The campaign season is our opportunity to monitor candidates running for local, state, and federal office and cultivate relationships in preparation for the next legislative session. The NAIFA-Texas Government Relations Committee works tirelessly to promote the importance of having these relationships with our elected officials. We also coordinate member participation in campaign events in respective districts.

NAIFA NATIONAL: ADVOCACY AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL

NAIFA National Resources

NAIFA is the only organization representing insurance and financial advisors regardless of the products they sell or the focus of their practice.

Visit NAIFA's website to learn about Federal Issues & Positions, find the Legislative Action Center, view GovTalk communications and more. #NAIFAAdvocacy