Session Ends, Veto Period Begins
Texas lawmakers adjourned Monday afternoon with state leadership’s priorities largely realized. TALHI’s priorities this session were equally as successful, with one priority, HB 2820 reforming the state’s 403(b) marketplace, already signed by the governor. Our remaining three bills have been sent to the governor to be signed: SB 1153, the Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association model update; HB 3306, the Corporate Governance Model; and SB 1852, amending requirements for renewal of Consumer Choice Health Plans. Governor Abbott has until June 16th to sign or veto bills.

Member Call Hiatus Until Webinar
Unless something comes up, we will be taking a hiatus on member calls in June. Make plans to tune in on July 9th at 10 am Central for TALHI’s End of Session Webinar for an in-depth discussion about our priorities, as well as a rundown on other bills that passed or did not pass this legislative session.

New Board Term Begins; Office Closure
TALHI’s 2019-2020 Board term begins on June 1st. Congratulations to our new Board members: Barry Koonce, American Fidelity; Brent Thompson, Croy-Hall; and Jason Neerman, Aetna. Congratulations also to Joan Cleveland of SWBC Life, who was elected Treasurer, and to our new Board Chair, Suzanne Loomis of Primerica. Many thanks to Gil Valdes of New York Life, Past Chair, who is rolling off the Board after many years of service and will now serve as Policy Committee Chair. The new Board will meet in their annual training retreat next week for the first Board meeting of the new term. Please note the TALHI office will be closed next week, as staff will be traveling for the meeting, but the team will still be reachable via email.