(The Center Square) – Gov. Jeff Landry signed what he called “the largest tort reform effort in Louisiana history” into law, touting a package of bills he said will crack down on frivolous lawsuits and hold insurance companies more accountable to policyholders.
Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple was not present at the bill signing.
“Today, we’ve taken steps to shield Louisianans from frivolous lawsuits driven by trial lawyers – using a data-driven strategy,” Landry said. “And we made it clear to insurance companies that they must answer to their policyholders. Over the past 50 days, I am proud to say that the only side I’ve stood with is the people of Louisiana.”
The package includes several measures aimed at reshaping how courts handle car crash claims and insurance disputes.
House Bill 148 grants the insurance commissioner expanded authority to control rate increases – a power already given to regulators in nearby states like Texas, Mississippi, and Florida. Temple opposed this bill.
HB450 tightens rules for proving injury in auto accident cases, requiring plaintiffs to show injuries were actually caused by the crash.
Known as the “No Pay, No Play” bill, HB434 raises the threshold for uninsured drivers to collect damages in crashes – from $15,000 to $100,000 in bodily injury claims.
HB436 prohibits undocumented immigrants injured in car accidents from collecting general damages.
HB431 amends Louisiana’s comparative fault rules, barring anyone found 51% or more at fault in a crash from collecting damages for their injuries. Rep. Chad Brown, D-Plaquemine, a former employee in the Louisiana Department of Insurance, worried that the bill unfairly protects plaintiffs.
“If a plaintiff is 51% at fault, they get nothing,” Brown said. “But if the defendant is 51% at fault, they only pay that amount – and the 49% from the other party is never fairly represented. It’s always overemphasized or described as gross negligence.”
HB549 offers insurance discounts for commercial vehicles equipped with dashboard cameras and telematics systems.
Landry said that the legislature will be immediately back to work working to lower insurance rates. Several bills are waiting to be debated.