"I fully support the Texas State Auditor's Office (SAO) decision to initiate an audit of TWIA.  Last session, under House Bill 3, we gave explicit authority to the State Auditor to audit TWIA and its processes.  Today, the challenges facing TWIA loom large for policyholders as the association continues to grapple with out-of-control litigation spending.  I believe it's time to reign-in questionable claims handling and address the reported fraud and abuse that has plagued TWIA since Hurricane Ike."

The audit objectives outlined by the State Auditor’s office are to:

• Determine whether the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association’s (TWIA) controls over selected financial processes produce accurate financial information and help ensure accountability for Association funds.
• Determine whether TWIA’s claims processing procedures and related controls help ensure that claim payments are authorized, supported, timely and made in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Determine whether selected TWIA expenses are reasonable and necessary, properly authorized, supported, and paid in accordance with applicable statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements and TWIA policies and procedures.