Texas House Bill 7 (79th Regular Session), relating to the reform of the Texas workers' compensation system, was signed by Governor Rick Perry on June 1, 2005. HB 7 transfers the functions of the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission (TWCC) to the newly created Division of Workers' Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), effective September 1, 2005. A Workers' Compensation Commissioner will be appointed by the Governor to administer this division by October 1, 2005.

In addition, HB 7 creates a new state agency, the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC), to provide assistance to injured employees and administer TWCC's ombudsman program, effective September 1, 2005. The Governor will appoint the Public Counsel of the OIEC by October 1, 2005.

A summary of these changes can be found at www.twcc.state.tx.us/commission/TWCCHB7SummaryofChanges6-23.pdf or in the Therapy Legislation News section.