Sec. 38.001.  INQUIRIES.  (a)  In this section, "authorization" means a permit, certificate of registration, or other authorization issued or existing under this code.
(b)  The department may address a reasonable inquiry to any insurance company, including a Lloyd's plan or reciprocal or interinsurance exchange, or an agent or other holder of an authorization relating to:
(1)  the person's business condition; or
(2)  any matter connected with the person's transactions that the department considers necessary for the public good or for the proper discharge of the department's duties.
(c)  A person receiving an inquiry under Subsection (b) shall respond to the inquiry in writing not later than the 15th day after the date the inquiry is received.  If the department receives written notice from the person that additional time is required to respond to the inquiry, the department shall grant a 10-day extension of the time to respond to the inquiry.
(d)  A response made under this section that is otherwise privileged or confidential by law remains privileged or confidential until introduced into evidence at an administrative hearing or in a court.
(e)  The department shall maintain a record of all inquiries made by the department under this section.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 101, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by: 
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1295 (H.B. 2614), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 398 (S.B. 183), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.