Texas lawmaker seeks to ban caregivers profiting from insurance

A Texas lawmaker has revived a push to reform the way caregivers handle life insurance payouts for disabled individuals. This effort is a response to a recent investigation by WFAA, which revealed risks faced by those living in group homes. State Rep. Chris Turner has reintroduced a bill that would stop non-family caregivers from collecting life insurance benefits from their clients after their death. This proposal follows the tragic case of Leroy Anderson, an intellectually disabled man whose caregiver would have received his $50,000 life insurance payout instead of his family. Turner described the situation as a shocking conflict of interest. He believes it should be common sense that caregivers should not profit from the death of those they care for. The new legislation would apply not only to group homes but also to assisted living facilities and state-supported living centers. It aims to ensure only family or legal beneficiaries can receive life insurance payouts. Strong support for the bill was expressed during a recent committee meeting. Many lawmakers were horrified that such practices are allowed. Turner previously introduced this legislation in the last session, where it passed the House but stalled in the Senate. Additionally, Turner has proposed "Joshua’s Act," which would ban guns in group homes. WFAA’s investigation has already led to important legislative changes, including a new law for background checks on caregivers, signed by Governor Greg Abbott last year.