98 San lacie Boulevard, ATED | dustin, TX7B7O1 Real Possibilities in 1856-227 7443 | Fou 8124809799 | TTY: 1-877-434-7598 corp orgit | avepteaaary eg | twitter ert Texas ace oe July 15, 2016 Commissioner David Mattax Texas Department of Insurance P.O. Box 149104 Austin, Texas 78714 Re: Docket No. 2788 Dear Commissioner Mattax: 1 write to express concern regarding Homeowners’ Endorsement 802 (HO-802) relating to mandatory mediation-arbitration endorsements. The endorsement would apply to a homeowners policy at the policyholder's discretion with a premium discount. AARP is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, nationwide organization with 38 million members that fights for the issues that matter most to families. In Texas, we have 2.3 million members, all of whom are under the jurisdiction of the Texas Department of Insurance. Contract language that requires consumers to submit future disputes to mandatory mediation-arbitration severely limits consumers’ redress options. Whether or not mediation-arbitration is presented as a consumer choice, approving endorsements with such language would significantly impact the market for homeowner's insurance in Texas and could create a substantial policy shift on a long-contentious policy issue. As recently as 2015, the Legislature rejected SB 1628, which, in part, would have similarly limited consumers’ redress options, On behalf of AARP, I request that you reject the request you have received to address this policy issue through the administrative process. This matter is too important not to receive a full and open debate and disposition by the Legislature. Thank you for considering this letter. Respecifully submitted, WAA LA Bob Jackson Director, AARP Texas