Highlights of the 79th Texas Legislature - Senate

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS
Proposes that the legislature may provide for the creation of programs and the making of loans and grants of public
money, other than money otherwise dedicated by this constitution to use for a different purpose, for the public
purposes of development and diversification of the economy of the state, the elimination of unemployment or
underemployment in the state, the stimulation of agricultural innovation, the fostering of the growth of enterprises
based on agriculture, or the development or expansion of transportation or commerce in the state.
Creditors Prohibited from Discriminating Against Identity Theft Victims—S.B. 99
By Senator Ellis—House Sponsor: Representative Giddings
Currently, there is no Texas statute that addresses discrimination based on being a victim of identity theft. In a 2003
study done by the Federal Trade Commission, victims of identity theft were asked whether they had experienced
various types of problems as a result of having their personal information misused. A total of 36 percent of identity
theft victims reported a problem with one of the following: getting a loan, opening or using a credit card, opening a
bank account, or cashing checks. This bill:
Prohibits a person who has been notified that an individual who has the capacity to contract has been the victim of
identity theft from denying the individual an extension of credit, including a loan, in the individual's name or restricting
or limiting the credit extended solely because the individual has been a victim of identity theft.
Provides that a license that is held by a person who violates this law is subject to revocation or suspension.
Defines "identity theft."
Authorizes an insurer authorized to write property and casualty insurance in this state to offer and issue insurance
coverage for a loss suffered by a policyholder as a result of the policyholder being a victim of identity theft or
attempted identity theft.
Sets forth authorized coverage.
Sets forth eligibility requirements for an insurer to issue coverage.
Authorizes the commissioner of insurance to adopt rules for implementation.
Measures to Attract Major Motor Sports Racing Events to Texas—S.B. 150
By Senator Wentworth—House Sponsor: Representative Puente
Currently, there are many site selection organizations, such as the National Football League, the National Collegiate
Athletic Association, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, and
the Federation Internacionale de Football Association, that operate to promote major sporting and athletic events and
bring those events to Texas. These site selection organizations benefit from statutes which provide a structure for
financing the costs of bidding for, preparing for, and conducting major sporting and athletic events. No such statutory
support exists for the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS). This bill:
Adds ACCUS to the existing list of site selection organizations.
Provides a structure for financing the costs of bidding for, preparing for, and conducting a major sports racing event
in Texas.
HIGHLIGHTS - 79 TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE 55