The agency’s 2026-27 legislative appropriations request (LAR) outlines the work groups that need additional staff to keep up with increased complaints, fraud reports and insurance providers. TDI lists 81 full-time IT employees on its LAR.
TDI regulates multiple aspects of the Texas insurance market, which is the second-largest U.S. market and sixth-largest in the world, according to its strategic plan.
Tech needs have grown over the decade as reflected in budget growth: The 2025 budget had $19.1 million for IT, up from $10.7 million in 2014. TDI must maintain more software than ever, even with Department of Information Resources (DIR) support, according to the appropriations request. It is asking for $20.4 million in information resources base spending for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
As to exceptional items, there are three IT-specific requests:
- $2.5 million for modernization and data enhancement including health plan network adequacy software, data management software, a data collection system, enterprisewide online learning management system and upgraded data analytics software for workers' comp.
- $2 million for the TexasSure system, for which TDI recently placed a request for information. The software enables car insurance verification, and the agency is looking for a software-as-a-service solution to be selected with other public safety agencies and DIR. The procurement requires added funds.
- $6.5 million for the state’s data center services program that includes security, cloud management and other solutions.
As the end of year draws near, the state-level budget process is well underway with agency appropriations requests turned in and under review. These include “exceptional items.”
“Agencies may request funding above the base level in their legislative appropriations requests (LARs),” according to Legislative Budget Board instructions issued this summer. “These requests are referred to as ‘exceptional items.’ Each ... should identify the enhanced services or increased effectiveness of agency operations that would result from receiving the request.”
