1. (a) An insurer regulated under this code may not require a claimant, as a condition of settling a claim, to produce the claimant's federal income tax returns for examination or investigation by the insurer unless:

   1. (1) the claimant is ordered to produce the tax returns by a court; or

   2. (2) the claim involves:

      1. (A) a fire loss; or
      2. (B) a loss of profits or income.

2. (b) An insurer that violates this section commits:

   1. (1) a prohibited practice under this subchapter; and
   2. (2) a deceptive trade practice under Subchapter E, Chapter 17, Business & Commerce Code.
3. (c) A claimant affected by a violation of this section is entitled to remedies under Subchapter E, Chapter 17, Business & Commerce Code.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1274, Sec. 2, eff. April 1, 2005.