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.
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:
HB 5 seeks to improve the foster care system. But a dangerous immunity amendment tacked on in the Senate would give immunity to private contractors that make placement decisions. If they negligently place these children in the hands of predators, these private entities should face full accountability. Immunity only leads to danger. Keep kids safe. Oppose this immunity amendment.
Cheaters should never win. But tomorrow, the Texas House will debate legislation that would let cheating landlords off the hook.
Under Texas law, landlords are not allowed to profit from water and can only pass along the actual cost of the utility to their tenants. When scamming landlords are caught hiking up these charges, tenants can band together and hold them accountable in court. There’s strength in numbers, allowing individual tenants to stand up to large, out-of- state apartment management companies.
