Eye on Texas Blog
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Monday, December 16, 2024
We're Looking for a Great Legislative Intern!
Are you interested in making a real impact while learning how advocacy works at the Texas Capitol?
Are you interested in making a real impact while learning how advocacy works at the Texas Capitol?
Yesterday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) took an important step in the fight against forced arbitration. The consumer watchdog announced a new rule to ban companies from using mandatory arbitration clauses that prevent consumers from banning together in court.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted yesterday 218-210 in favor of H.R. 1215, more aptly referred to as the Patient Death Act. The bill puts road blocks in the way of justice for injured patients and their families and greatly reduces accountability for unsafe hospitals and incompetent doctors. We've tried restrictive laws like this in Texas, and the results have been tragic for patients.
A group of U.S. Senators are taking important steps to better protect members of the military and their families from abusive financial practices. The Military Consumer Protection Act would allow for greater enforcement of protections designed to ease financial burdens on servicemembers during periods of military service.
Texas Watch has joined a group of national and state organizations supporting the important consumer legislation.
Insurance companies already have too much power, and they’re getting even more in September when a dangerous new law goes into effect. House Bill 1774 slashes penalties for property insurers that wrongfully delay storm claims, forces many insurance disputes into federal court where it takes twice as long to receive justice, and imposes additional costs on policyholders. The law guts the property rights of homeowners, business owners, churches, and schools, threatening access to justice for many.
Texas Watch, along with over 80 national and state organizations, has asked the U.S. House of Representatives to reject a bill that puts road blocks in the way of justice for injured patients and their families. H.R. 1215 greatly reduces the accountability of unsafe hospitals and incompetent doctors and puts the legal rights of patients at risk.
Take one minute to tell your member of Congress to protect patients and preserve accountability here.
For Immediate Release
On a vote of 21-8, the Texas Senate gave preliminary approval to HB 1774 today, one of the #BlueTarpBills. The legislation slashes the penalty for property insurers that wrongfully delay weather-related claims, forces many cases into federal court where it takes twice as long to receive justice, and adds cost and uncertainty for property owners who attempt to legally challenge insurers' decisions.
Executive Director Ware Wendell released the following statement: