Insurance companies want to make it more difficult for homeowners to sue over unpaid claims by getting a sweetheart bill passed in the Texas legislature.

That's no surprise, everyone knows insurance companies don't make money by paying out claims. What's worrying, though, is that Texas lawmakers may actually pass the bill instead of protecting the rights of homeowners. The first hearing on House Bill 1774 takes place Tuesday.

Insurance companies are annoyed because enterprising lawyers and roofing contractors are tracking the weather, and when they see high winds or a hail storm pass through an area, they use direct mail and advertising to alert homeowners to check their roofs for damage. If there is any, they encourage people to file claims with their insurance companies.

This is where the trouble begins. Insurance companies complain that too many homeowners are filing too many claims and some of them are not legitimate.

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"As a result, policyholders are misinformed, contractors are circumventing statutory and

policy guidelines, adjusters inflate actual damages, and attorneys are applying mass tort models

to simple property damage claims," according to the analysis of Senate Bill 10, the companion to HB 1774.

That may be true, but what should be done about it? Should judges and juries be allowed to sort out the legitimate claims from the frivolous? Our lawmakers think the answer is to dramatically limit the ability of homeowners to sue and then limit how much homeowners can collect if they win.

"S.B. 10 addresses this issue by eliminating the ability of an insured to sue under both the

Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the Insurance Code," the analysis adds. "An insured could choose either one, but not use both. S.B. 10 also changes the interest rate applicable to late-paid claims from 18 percent to a floating rate: Prime Rate amount plus three percent."

Supporters of SB 10 call it the next logical step in limiting the ability of lawyers to sue big corporations in Texas. Texans for Lawsuit Reform, one of the state's most powerful political action committees, is behind the bill and has recruited an extraordinary bipartisan list of lawmakers to support the measure.

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Make no mistake, though, this is all about limiting a homeowner's day in court to challenge an insurer's decision. Trial lawyers may be pesky, but you want one on your side if the insurance company is cheating you. They only get paid if you win, which is why you need a decent payout. And you'll also want as many legal options as possible to win against insurance company lawyers.

Texas Watch, backed by trial lawyers, is campaigning against the bill.

"Texans pay their premiums in exchange for a promise -- a promise that when disaster strikes, their claims will be paid in full and on time," the group says. "SB 10 and HB 1774, more aptly called the 'Blue Tarp Bills,' lessen penalties for insurers and prolong the rebuilding process for Texas communities."

Insurance companies are always using groups like Texans for Lawsuit Reform to pass legislation that will reduce their risk of litigation. The problem is that they are also limiting the average person's access to justice.

The little guy already has a hard enough time challenging big corporations when they fail to live up to their obligations, we don't need to make it any harder. Courts exist to resolve these issues, we don't need lawmakers, who are far too reliant on campaign donations, to make these decisions for us.