By Sean A. Roberts

Tort Reform Round 2: The Insurance Lobby’s Latest Power Grab

Twenty years after achieving tort reform—specifically, hard caps on claims against doctors and hospitals—Texas Republicans and the insurance lobby are back at it. This time, it’s not just medical malpractice insurance at stake. The entire liability insurance industry is once again descending on the Texas Legislature, warning of “higher prices” for consumers unless lawmakers restrain the power of Texas juries.

Juries, composed of twelve citizens, are entrusted with the responsibility of resolving factual disputes—including determining the financial value of harm caused by someone else’s negligence. These jurors come from the same pool that sentences criminal defendants to prison or even death. And yet, Republicans—who rarely, if ever, question criminal jury verdicts, even when wrongful convictions are involved—now want to limit jury authority when it comes to awarding damages to injured or killed Texans.

A Slap in the Face to Texas Juries

This effort is not only hypocritical but insulting to the everyday Texans who serve as jurors—missing work, missing time with family, and listening intently to evidence before rendering a verdict.

Even more brazen is the fact that Governor Greg Abbott, who settled his own paraplegia case for a present value of approximately $30 million, is supporting this legislative attack. After seeking and receiving compensation for his injuries, the Governor now seeks to deny other Texas families the same opportunity. It’s the political equivalent of pulling up the ladder after climbing to the top.

A Dangerous Assault on Civil Liberties and the Free Market

Jury trials are a bedrock of American democracy. This legislation is yet another assault on civil liberties—by lawmakers who ironically claim to champion the free market. But this isn’t about protecting consumers. It’s about protecting the donors to Republican campaigns: the insurance companies.

Let’s be clear: insurance companies are not the victims. They are among the most unscrupulous and litigious actors in any industry. Don’t take my word for it—visit any law library and look at the mountains of lawsuits involving insurers denying or delaying valid claims. There is even an entire legal niche—coverage law—dedicated to helping insurers escape their contractual obligations to policyholders.

Don’t Feel Bad When Insurance Companies Lose a Bet

Insurance is legalized gambling. The term “underwriting” itself comes from odds-making. And just like in Vegas, when the house loses, you shouldn’t feel bad. At least casinos pay when they lose. Many insurers don’t.

These companies are in the business of collecting premiums and paying as few claims as possible. Some even try to “underwrite” a policy after a claim has already been made—like betting on the outcome of a game after the final whistle.

Why Does the Industry Need Even More Help?

Now, these same companies are asking for more advantages. Specifically, they want the Texas Legislature to limit the power of juries to determine how much a life is worth or how much a negligent corporation should pay when it burns someone or robs a person of their ability to care for their family.

This isn’t capitalism. This is corporate socialism—subsidizing an already rich industry under the guise of “reform.” The same politicians who scream about the dangers of socialism are happy to pass it—so long as the beneficiaries are billion-dollar insurance companies.

Where’s the Justice for Texas Families?

Why should Texas families suffer while these companies make record profits? Why do insured individuals have to hire their own lawyers to fight the very insurance companies they’ve been paying for years? This is the very definition of corruption. These companies are parasites. Mosquitoes on society.

In 2004, Texans were told doctors were fleeing small towns because of skyrocketing malpractice premiums. The solution? Caps on non-economic damages. But two decades later, malpractice insurance premiums didn’t go down. Not one cent. The whole thing was a lie—one big con job.

SB 30 Is a Corporate Handout Disguised as Reform

Senate Bill 30 doesn’t help families. It’s a gift to one of the wealthiest industries in the country—at a time when basic healthcare is being stripped from everyday Texans. Why should insurance companies, who already write favorable policies and charge high premiums, be allowed to rig the system further?

It’s time to draw the line. SB 30 is not about justice. It’s about greed. It’s about enabling corporate pimps who will cheat, lie, and steal to protect their profits.

Take Action: Contact Your State Representative

Copy and paste this article. Share it. Send it to your state representative. Or call your senator and tell them you oppose SB 30. Let them know:

Insurance companies are not victims. They are the problem. And they do not need any more favors at the expense of Texas families.