(a) Not later than August 15 of each year, the association shall file with the department a proposed manual rate for all types and classes of risks written by the association.
(a-1) The association may use a rate filed by the association under this section without prior commissioner approval if:
(1) the filing is made not later than the 30th day before the date of any use or delivery for use of the rate; and
(2) the filed rate does not exceed the rate used by the association in effect on the date on which the filing is made.

(a-2) The association may not file to use a rate described by Subsection (a-1) more than once per year.
(a-3) The association may not file a rate under this section that exceeds the rate in effect on the date on which the filing is made unless two-thirds of the board of directors votes to approve the rate.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), before approving or disapproving a filing under this section, the commissioner shall provide all interested persons a reasonable opportunity to:
(1) review the filing;
(2) obtain copies of the filing on payment of any legally required copying cost; and
(3) submit to the commissioner written comments or information related to the filing.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), the commissioner shall approve or disapprove the filing in writing not later than October 15 of the year in which the filing was made. If the filing is not approved or disapproved on or before that date, the filing is considered approved.
(d) Except as provided by Subsection (a-1), if the commissioner disapproves a filing, the commissioner shall state in writing the reasons for the disapproval and the criteria the association is required to meet to obtain approval.