New insurance reform and labor bills for LA small businesses
Now that the session is over and the bill signing is starting to wrap up, here’s a recap of bills that have been signed or that became law without the governor’s signature.
Lawsuit/Insurance Reform
- HB 337 by Rep. Jack McFarland: Repeals the state’s direct-action statute while preserving the right to name an insurer only in limited circumstances. Although repealing this statute does not remove an insurer’s obligation to pay damages, it brings Louisiana in line with 47 other states. Signed by Gov. Jeff Landry.
- HB 611 by Rep. Gabe Firment: Phases out the three-year rule for property insurance, an issue that carriers have identified as a major impediment to doing business in the Louisiana market. Signed by the governor.
- SB 84 by Sen. Alan Seabaugh: Adjusts an imbalance in the Code of Civil Procedure that allows plaintiffs to capitalize on a provision typically reserved for defendants in other states. This bill will put Louisiana more closely in line with peer states that only allow defendants to make an offer of judgment. Signed by the governor.
- SB 323 by Sen. Kirk Talbot: Establishes a process for good faith and fair dealing in the claims process, removing numerous ambiguities in the law that hinder a swift claims resolution. Signed by the governor.
- SB 355 by Sen. Jeremy Stine: Provides for the disclosure of all third-party litigation funding agreements, but the agreement will be discoverable rather than an automatic disclosure. This bill also prohibits a third party from having any influence or control over negotiations and settlement decisions in state court cases. Signed by the governor.
Workers’ Compensation/Unemployment
- HB 119 by Rep. Troy Romero: Provides for the duration of unemployment compensation benefits and for extended benefits. Signed by the governor.
- HB 200 by Rep. Michael Melerine: Provides for past payments of workers’ compensation premiums. Became law without the governor’s signature.
- HB 156 by Rep. Roger Wilder: Repeals the provision of law relative to recreation or meal periods for minors. Signed by the governor.
