Press release from Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez

02-13-25

AUSTIN – Today State Senator Roland Gutierrez introduced SB 1246, the Auto Insurance Public Option Act, a game-changing insurance bill that aims to reduce auto insurance premiums in Texas by up to 50% or more. “It’s getting harder and harder for everyday working families to get by. The skyrocketing costs of groceries, health care, home and auto insurance have stretched Texans’ pocketbooks thin. It’s time that the state of Texas steps in and offers a public insurance option that will provide affordable, reliable coverage for everyone at a fraction of the cost,” said bill author State Senator Roland Gutierrez. Key Facts: Administered by the Texas Department of Insurance. Coverage level will meet or exceed Texas minimum liability requirements and offer additional coverage options, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. All Texas residents are eligible, provided they meet residency and vehicle registration requirements. Will operate alongside private insurers to foster competition, stabilize rates, and provide consumer choice. Will start offering auto insurance plans one year after enactment. Insurance premiums for automobiles have increased up to 25.5% over the last two years alone, a trend that shows no sign of stopping. Gutierrez says that Texas can offer competitive coverage rates that will bring down insurance costs across the board. “The State of Texas can provide auto insurance at a lower rate because we aren’t getting squeezed by shareholders, paying a C.E.O. with an inflated salary, or racking up the bill on some huge marketing campaign. This is coverage that you can count on, that will force insurance giants to bring their prices down or justify the cost,” said Roland Gutierrez. Senator Gutierrez’s Auto Insurance Public Option Act can be found here.

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Roland Gutierrez has served as the Texas State Senator for District 19 since 2021, previously serving six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as a San Antonio City Councilman.

 After a morning of action by Uvalde families, State Senator Roland Guiterrez, House, and Senate Democratic caucus, HB 2744 voted out of committee 8-5

Austin, Texas – Today, the Texas House Select Committee on Community Safety voted 8 – 5 to pass H.B. 2744, which would raise the age to purchase a semi-automatic rifle to 21, with exceptions for military and law enforcement. The vote comes on the heels of this morning’s press conference with Uvalde families and state Democrats demanding action on gun safety legislation.

“We can’t keep waiting for another tragedy for legislation on gun safety. Nothing can bring back the lives we’ve lost, but this will help to save lives in the future. We need to see this bill passed,” said Senator Gutierrez. “Semiautomatic rifles, weapons of war, are being used to hurt our children, families running errands, concertgoers, and grocery shoppers. If Texas Republicans aren’t going to vote to help protect our families, then they better step out of our way.”

HB 2744 will move on to the House Calendars Committee to be considered for a House floor vote. The Texas Legislature has three weeks to consider this vital piece of legislation before the session concludes on May 29th.

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Roland Gutierrez has served as the Texas State Senator for District 19 since 2021, previously serving six terms as a member of the Texas House of Representatives and two terms as a San Antonio City Councilman.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, January 10, 2022

  On Day One of the Legislative Session: Uvalde-area Senator says it’s time Gov. Abbott addresses gun safety, healthcare, grid issues, and rural neglect.

  AUSTIN, TEXAS – On Tuesday, the first day of Texas’ Legislative Session, Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez announced a list of legislative priorities that Governor Greg Abbott must address by the end of the session on May 29th, 2023 –  one year after the tragic Uvalde shooting that claimed the lives of 19 children and two educators, left 21 more physically wounded, and inflicted deep trauma on the community.

  “My number one priority is keeping Texas children safe. We must sign into law commonsense gun safety solutions that keep our kids safe,” Gutierrez stated, “By May 29th it will be just over a year since the Robb Elementary massacre. Texans are still searching for answers and as lawmakers, we must deliver. I have been calling for a special session since the tragedy. Governor Abbott has punted. We cannot in good conscience leave Austin without delivering results. The time to get things done is now. We must prevent these mass shootings and save our children.”

 

 

Gutierrez concluded, “Texas must do more to deliver for its people. Under Greg Abbott, our problems have become greater than ever. Our electrical grid is stressed to the point of failure, rural hospitals are on the brink of closing, and property taxes are out of control. Women’s healthcare is threatened by outlawing a routine medical procedure. There is a school staffing shortage that is creating widening gaps in our education system. These aren’t partisan issues – they are issues that affect every single Texan and they must be addressed by Greg Abbott.”

 

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