House Bill No. 153 introduces a new subchapter to the Texas Insurance Code that regulates the use of aerial images by insurers when determining the nonrenewal of residential property insurance policies. The bill defines key terms such as "aerial image," "insurer," "nonrenewal," "renewal," and "residential property insurance." It mandates that if an insurer decides to use aerial images for nonrenewal, they must provide a written notice to the insured at least 61 days before the policy expiration. This notice must include date-stamped images of the property showing specific defects, steps the insured can take to reverse the nonrenewal decision, and a point of contact for submitting documentation of completed work.

Additionally, the bill requires insurers to consider any documentation submitted by the insured regarding repairs and to establish an appeals process for correcting errors related to the nonrenewal. Insurers must also allow at least 60 days for the insured to address the identified defects and must offer a renewal policy if the insured provides proof of having cured the defects within the specified timeframe. The provisions of this subchapter will apply to policies delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after April 1, 2026, and the act will take effect 91 days after the end of the legislative session.

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