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Bill

HB 4392

Relating to prohibited insurance discrimination on the basis of an insured's marital status following the death of the insured's spouse.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Tom Craddick and 9 co-sponsors

Texas bill prohibits insurers from canceling or denying coverage to surviving spouses solely due to marital status change following their partner's death.

Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)
#family--marriagerelationship(i0350) #insurance--general(i0445) #insurance--motorvehicles(i0435)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4392

Legislative bill overview

HB 4392 prohibits insurance companies in Texas from discriminating against surviving spouses by denying, canceling, or modifying insurance coverage based solely on the policyholder's change in marital status following their spouse's death. The bill ensures that widows and widowers maintain insurance coverage continuity during the grieving period without penalty.

Why is this important

Surviving spouses often face practical and financial challenges after losing a partner. Without this protection, insurers could exploit a technicality to drop coverage at a vulnerable moment, forcing surviving families to navigate the insurance market while managing grief and estate matters. This bill provides consumer protection during a critical life transition.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance industry concerns: Insurers may argue that marital status changes can legitimately affect risk assessment, premium calculations, or policy eligibility criteria, and that this restriction limits their underwriting flexibility
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill may need clarification on which insurance products it covers (life, health, property, auto) and how long the protection lasts post-death
  • Premium implications: Questions about whether surviving spouses maintain original premiums or face rate adjustments, and whether this creates cost-shifting to other policyholders

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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