TDI Proposes Licensing Rules for Military Spouses

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has published potential changes to insurance rules that would make it easier for military spouses to get certain licenses in Texas. The changes would affect the following chapters of the Texas Administrative Code:

• Chapter 7 – Administration
• Chapter 15 – Surplus lines agents
• Chapter 19 – Insurance professionals
• Chapter 25 – Premium finance companies
• Chapter 34 – Fire Marshal related licenses

Chapter 15 of the rule, which governs surplus lines insurance in Texas, would be revised to include language stating that military spouses who are licensed in a different state with “substantially equivalent requirements” to those in Texas are eligible for a surplus lines license while the military service member is stationed in the state. The license is effective for three years.

The changes are necessary to comply with Senate Bill 1200, which was passed by the Texas Legislature during the 86th Legislative Session. The bill allows a military spouse to conduct business or hold an occupation in Texas for which a license is required if they hold an out-of-state license in good standing.

TDI will accept written comments on the proposed rule changes until December 9, 2019. More information can be found on the TDI website.