NU Online News Service, March  14, 1:35 p.m.EST

Texas State Rep. Larry Taylor has filed a bill meant to reformthe Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA).

The Republican House member from Friendswood, Texas said thebill is in response to "management deficiencies, litigation abusesand the recent administrative oversight of TWIA."

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) this month placed TWIAunder administrative oversight. TDI said itsdecision was based in part on information provided to it thatsuggests an outside claims adjuster was paid for work that wasnever done.

Mr. Taylor's bill, HB 2818, will require TWIA to be moretransparent and provide discounts for buildings that meet certainbuilding codes. Provisions in the bill also require an arbitrationprocess for harder to settle claims.

"In light of the budgetary crisis that confronts the TexasLegislature, all aspects surrounding the payout of hundreds ofmillions of dollars in insurance losses must be scrutinized ifTexas policymakers are to make sound fiscal decisions goingforward," Mr. Taylor said.

Mr. Taylor caused a stir in the state last year when he askedTWIA for financial documents related to a settlement of slab claims. 

A plaintiffs' attorney attempted to block the request with atemporary injunction, which was lifted by a state judge.