A title insurance company may directly issue a title insurance policy or contract based on the best title evidence available if:

1. (1) a title insurance agent or direct operation does not exist for the county in which the real property is located; or

2. (2) each title insurance agent and direct operation for that county refuses to provide title evidence:

   1. (A) in a reasonable period as determined by the department; and
   2. (B) in compliance with Section 2502.053(1).

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1274, Sec. 6, eff. April 1, 2005.