MORATORIUM

(a) The commissioner may impose a moratorium of not longer than two years on: (1) the approval of withdrawal plans; or (2) the implementation of plans to restrict the writing of new business described by Section 827.008. (b) A moratorium under this section may be imposed on plans implemented after the commissioner has published notice of intention to impose a moratorium on plans under Subsection (a)(2). (c) The commissioner may annually renew a moratorium imposed under this section. (d) To impose or renew a moratorium under this section, the commissioner must determine, after notice and hearing, that a catastrophic event has occurred and that as a result of that event a particular line of insurance is not reasonably expected to be available to a substantial number of policyholders or potential policyholders in this state or, in the case of lines of personal automobile or residential property insurance, in a rating territory. (e) The provisions of Chapter 2001, Government Code, relating to contested cases apply to the notice and hearing. (f) The commissioner by rule shall establish reasonable criteria for applying the standards for determining whether to impose a moratorium under this section.