(a) Any exemption or extension granted to a licensee under subsections (b) - (f) of this section applies to all license types held by the licensee. Nothing within this subchapter may be construed as preventing TDI from auditing a licensee to confirm the continued existence of circumstances supporting the exemption or extension.
(b) An agent who held a Texas resident license issued under Insurance Code Article 21.07-1, as Group I, legal reserve life insurance agent or general lines life, accident, and health insurance agent; Article 21.07-3, as managing general agent; or Article 21.14, as local recording agent, solicitor, general lines property and casualty agent, or insurance service representative, for at least 20 years or more as of December 31, 2002, is exempt from completing the required number of continuing education hours in §19.1003 of this title (relating to Licensee Hour and Completion Requirements). Agents must confirm that they qualify for this exemption by submitting a written request to TDI indicating that they have met the longevity requirement. TDI or TDI's designee will provide written notice that an agent qualifies for this exemption. Agents that qualified for the longevity exemption authorized under the Insurance Code prior to September 1, 2001, remain qualified and do not have to reapply for this exemption.
(c) A licensee who on or after January 1, 2003, has been continuously licensed by TDI for at least 20 years is exempt from completing the required number of continuing education hours in §19.1003 of this title. For purposes of this subsection "continuously licensed" means that the licensee has held a TDI issued license for the entire period of time without any lapse in excess of 90 days in which the licensee was not licensed or failed to renew a license. The exemption will apply beginning with the reporting period in which the licensee reaches the 20th year of licensure. TDI or TDI's designee will provide written notice to the licensee that a licensee qualifies for this exemption. Licensees may not claim the exemption prior to receiving written notice that they qualify for the exemption. Licensees may submit a written request to TDI to evaluate their longevity status.
(d) Nonresident licensees, are subject to the following requirements:
  (1) A nonresident licensee, including an adjuster with a designated home state adjuster license issued by a state other than Texas, who is in compliance with the licensee's resident state's or adjuster's designated home state's continuing education requirements are not required to complete the continuing education requirement under this subchapter. A licensee may qualify for this exemption based on the following:
    (A) the licensee's state of residence, or adjuster's designated home state, claimed in the licensee's original application;
    (B) by sending written notification to TDI or its designee stating that the licensee is a resident of another state, or the adjuster has a designated home state other than Texas, with a certificate of good standing; or
    (C) by sending any other document acceptable to TDI, showing that the licensee has a resident license or an adjuster's designated home state adjuster license in good standing in that state.
  (2) A designated home state adjuster licensee who designates Texas as the licensee's home state is not exempt under this subsection and must complete continuing education under the same requirements as a Texas resident adjuster as required under §19.1003(e) of this title.
(e) Licensees who meet the criteria of illness, medical disability, or circumstances beyond the control of the licensee may apply for an exemption or extension of time to complete their continuing education requirement without incurring a fine or a waiver, in whole or in part, of the continuing education requirement. Business reasons do not constitute circumstances beyond the control of the licensee. TDI will establish the duration of the extension when it is granted. If the circumstances supporting the extension continue beyond the granted extension period, the licensee may reapply for an exemption or extension. The licensee's application must include the information set forth in paragraphs (1) - (6) of this subsection:
  (1) a written statement of the exact nature of the illness, medical disability or other extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the licensee that have prevented or will prevent the licensee from completing the required hours within the reporting period;
  (2) evidence regarding the illness or medical disability of the licensee and circumstances beyond the control of the licensee;
  (3) a written assessment of whether the condition is temporary, permanent, or unknown;
  (4) a written statement as to whether the licensee will be able to perform activities including any acts of an agent or adjuster during the exemption or extension period being requested;
  (5) the estimated date when the licensee will be able to perform any activities including any acts of an agent or adjuster in accordance with the medical reports or other documents pertaining to circumstances beyond the control of the licensee; and
  (6) any other information that may be of assistance in evaluating the request.
(f) An individual holding a risk manager license is exempt from the continuing education requirements under this subchapter for any license held by the individual, if the individual demonstrates in writing to TDI that the individual has held one of the following designations listed in Insurance Code §4153.055, concerning Exemptions from Examination and Continuing Education Requirement, for a period of not less than 30 years:
  (1) certified insurance counselor,
  (2) associate in risk management, or
  (3) certified risk manager.
(g) A licensee holding only a funeral prearrangement life insurance agent license or a life insurance not exceeding $25,000 agent license and meeting the requirements specified in Insurance Code §4054.159, concerning Continuing Education Exemption, or Insurance Code §4054.207, concerning Continuing Education Exemption, is exempt from completing the continuing education requirements in this subchapter. A licensee claiming this exemption must attest to meeting this requirement during each reporting period with the licensee's license renewal.

Source Note: The provisions of this §19.1004 adopted to be effective May 27, 1994, 19 TexReg 3697; amended to be effective January 10, 1997, 22 TexReg 49; amended to be effective January 6, 2003, 28 TexReg 75; amended to be effective February 21, 2010, 35 TexReg 1271; amended to be effective May 31, 2018, 43 TexReg 3367; amended to be effective February 29, 2024, 49 TexReg 1095