Texas House Passes Legislation On Mold

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Texas House Passes Legislation On Mold

Legislation Also Requires Statewide Education Program

POSTED: 8:49 a.m. CDT April 30, 2003

AUSTIN, Texas -- Mold assessors and remediators would be trained and licensed through the Texas Board of Health under legislation tentatively approved Tuesday by the Texas House. Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, said he authored the bill after dozens of complaints about companies he calls "unscrupulous" and may have little or no training. The legislation also requires a statewide education and outreach program to inform citizens how to recognize, prevent and mitigate mold problems. The bills are an attempt to mend an insurance industry that many claim is in crisis mode. Homeowners insurance rates have shot through the roof over the past couple of years for many Texans, and the insurance industry attributes a big portion of that to increased mold claims. Mold remediation companies that seemed to spring up out of nowhere contributed to the problem, insurance industry officials say. In a report earlier this year to the Texas Legislature, Texas Insurance Commissioner Montemayor recommended licensing mold remediators and public adjusters. If given final approval, the vote would then go the Senate floor for a vote. Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved.