NAIFA-TX eNewsletter

The Texas Sunset Review Advisory Commission will hold hearings this year to consider recommendations from the Sunset staff, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the public as to the changes needed in TDI operations and the Texas Insurance Code in order for the agency to continue its operations. Following these hearings, the Commission is charged with preparing and filing a bill with the Texas Legislature to continue the functions of the Insurance Department. During the legislative process, many amendments can be expected to be introduced to the agency continuation bill. As a result, the insurance industry, including NAIFA-Texas, and other interested parties must be vigilant to respond promptly to the issues this year and during the legislative process in 2009 that may be detrimental to our industry. Also, we will have an opportunity to present our views to the Commission for changes needed to the Texas Insurance Code to improve operations of the TDI and the industry's functions with the agency.

The Texas Sunset Review Advisory Commission is guided by a 12 - member body appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House. The Sunset statute and process requires the regular assessment of the continuing need for a state agency to exist. Typically, the Sunset process is mandated for review of agencies every 12 years. The last such review of the TDI was done as of 1993. The 2009 Texas legislature is charged with passing legislation that will allow the TDI functions to continue or abolish the agency.

Update: Briefs Filed in 403(b) Request

NAIFA-Texas CEO/CLO Des Taylor participated in discussions with insurance company lawyers and representatives that led to the filing of briefs this month with the Attorney General in response to an opinion request concerning the administration of 403(b) plans.

The focus of the brief filed by the Texas Association of Life and Health Insurers (TALHI) was that an educational institution does not violate Texas law by entering into a lawful contract (supported by consideration) with a third party administrator that is owned by or otherwise affiliated with a company that sells qualified investment products to the institution's employees.

An AG ruling in the opinion request (RQ-0653-GA) is not expected before June.

TDI Issues Warning against Rebating

TDI Commissioner Mike Geeslin has issued Commissioner's Bulletin #B-0004-08 that addresses the issue of rebating as it relates to the provision by health insurance agents and/or companies that provide certain administrative services to clients without charge.

The Bulletin may be accessed at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/bulletins/2008/cc3.html. Additional information may be obtained from Matt Ray, Deputy Commissioner, Licensing Division, at 512-463-8917.

TDI Rules on Replacements Available Online

The Texas Department of Insurance has filed with the Office of the Secretary of State the adoption order for rules relating to the replacement of certain life insurance and annuity contracts. The rules were published in the Texas Register.

A copy of the rules may be accessed from TDI's Website at http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/rules/2007/documents/3.9501-3.9506.pdf.

NAIFA-Texas News

Leadership Development: Registration Now Open For 2008 Team Texas Forum in Austin

Registration is now open for the third annual Team Texas Forum, May 2-3 at the Austin Airport Hilton Hotel. The event, which begins with a meeting for local Presidents-Elect on May 2 and continues with a Local Success Planning Seminar and "On the Job" Breakout sessions on the 3^rd, will give local teams the opportunity to plan a successful year for their associations.

Last year, the event drew approximately 75 leaders from NAIFA-Texas's 28 local associations. "Our hope is that every local association will send their President-Elect, Executives and Officers as well as their Membership, PIC/PAC/Government Relations and Programs/Professional Development Chairs," said NAIFA-Texas President-Elect Earl Thompson, RFC. He added, "The more people that each local sends to the training event, the greater the opportunity for development of a plan for local success."

Registration runs throughout the month of March and into early April. Sign up your local leaders today!

Lease Executed on Relocated NAIFA-Texas Headquarters, Mid-May Move-In Projected

Following an extended period of negotiations, a lease has been executed for Suite 1650 at 515 Congress Avenue, the new home of NAIFA-Texas. In the coming weeks, construction will begin on the build out of the approximately 1,500 square feet lease space in the heart of downtown Austin. Included in the new home of NAIFA-Texas is a generous reception area with an added work station, three private offices and a beautiful conference room that will accommodate meetings of 12-15 people. Additionally, the space will have a small break room/work area and space for storage/housing of IT equipment.

"The new home of NAIFA-Texas is being custom fit to meet our every need, while capitalizing on the natural light and beauty of a 16^th floor downtown office suite" said NAIFA-Texas President Alan Carl, RHU, RECB, LUTCF.

Move-in is projected to occur around the middle of May, following the 2008 Team Texas Forum.

Membership Quick Hits: March Membership Contest, New Online Resources

Membership Contest: Throughout the month of March, local associations will be competing with other associations of similar size (Small, Medium and Large local categories) for the most new and regained lapsed members. The winning local in each size category will receive a $500 prize!
Monthly Credit Card Pilot Program: Effective February 21, 2008, new members and members who have been lapsed for six months or more can join NAIFA by paying thier NAIFA membership investment in 12 easy monthly charges to their VISA or MC. Visit this site to download the new form.
New Agency Presentation: The National Membership Committee has developed an new Agency Presentation powerpoint focusin on Advocacy, Education, Professional Development, Sales Training and Networking as the core benefits of membership. Download the presentation here.

Member Spotlight

Joey Ussery Receives NAIFA-Houston's Top Honor

On February 22, Houston's Joey Ussery, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF received NAIFA-Houston's John N. Neighbors award. The award, established to honor John N. Neighbors, the first Houston member to serve as President of the National Association, recognizes a member who has served NAIFA-Houston, it's membership, the insurance industry and the community with distinction and special dedication.

In addition to his service of NAIFA-Houston, Ussery serves on the NAIFA-Texas Finance Committee and was the keynote speaker at the 2007 Legislative Luncheon, held in conjunction with the NAIFA-Texas annual meeting.

Reynold Jones Honored with NAIFA-Fort Worth's Career Service Award

NAIFA-Fort Worth has named Reynold Jones the recipient of it's highest honor, the prestigious Career Service Award. Jones, currently serving on the TLRT board of directors, has been in the insurance industry since graduating from East Texas State University in 1982. In 1997, he founded the Reynold Jones Insurance Group, an insurance brokerage firm specializing in life products for individuals and businesses as well as worksite marketing.