The Texas State Senate News

AUSTIN - Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock announced the creation of a special Senate committee that will look into the link between civil justice laws and insurance costs as well as review the state's current mandatory automobile liability system.

Bullock stated that there should be a direct relationship between the cost of insurance and the civil justice system and that Texans should be able to understand that connection. He also stated that the rising problems with uninsured motorists and financial liability insurance fraud put the current system at risk. Growing signs of dissatisfaction with the current system regarding certain insurance laws, expenses and delays in resolving claims prompted the formation of the committee.

"The committee should examine alternative automobile insurance systems including so-called 'no-fault' plans and make legislative or regulatory recommendations," Bullock said. "Anytime a system doesn't work well, it usually means that the consumer will pay extra."

Bullock appointed Senator David Sibley of Waco as chair and the committee members include Senators Gonzalo Barrientos of Austin, Teel Bivins of Amarillo, J.E. "Buster" Brown of Lake Jackson, David Cain of Dallas, Robert Duncan of Lubbock, and Eliot Shapleigh of El Paso.

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