KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Gov. Jeff Landry signs sweeping insurance and DOTD reform bills
- New laws increase transparency and protect policyholders statewide
- DOTD reorganization includes creation of Office of Project Delivery
- Reforms aim to lower insurance costs and improve infrastructure
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed legislation on Monday intended to address the state’s insurance crisis and the reorganization of the state Department of Transportation and Development.
“Our insurance department now is on an equal footing with our southern neighbors, but we didn’t stop there, we kept on working,” said Landry. “Today, we finish what we started 90 days ago.”
Nearly three months ago, Landry took the podium to address his plan on specific legislation in the works. Numerous bills made it to his desk concerning what many have called a statewide insurance crisis as well as a reform of the DOTD.
On Monday, he signed those bills, putting restrictions and criteria on insurance companies to ensure transparency and protection for residents.
Among the bills signed were House Bill 438 by Rep. Gabe Firment, R-Pollock, Senate Bill 61 by Sen. W. Jay Luneau, D-Alexandria, SB231 by Sen. Mike Reese, R-Leesville, HB145 by Rep. Roger Wilder, R-Denham Springs, HB356 by Rep. Jacob Braud, R-Belle Chasse, HB258 by Rep. Sylvia Taylor, D-Laplace and SB137 by Sen. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge.
HB438 relates to insurance rates and more specifically, “institutional advertising expenses.”
SB61 ensures insurance companies notify you if your rates increase due to your credit score.
Landry previously vetoed a similar bill to SB231 last year because he wanted to see it improved. After it was reworked, he signed the bill Monday as it provides transparency to judges and juries on medical expenses billed and paid in claims.
HB145 concerns the state’s fortified roofing program and expands the deduction to cover costs.
HB356 creates the Stated Value Homeowner’s Policy Act.
HB258 ensures senior citizens 65 and older do not experience age discrimination in their insurance premiums.
SB137 requires insurance companies to notify the Department of Insurance if they cease business in a specific region.
Landry believes to also help with insurance premiums, the state needs better roads which he addresses in a host of bills reforming the Department of Transportation.
These bills included HB556 and HB528 by Rep. Ryan Bourriaque, R-Abbeville.
“Today we work towards reform, towards efficiency, and accountability,” said Landry.
The “transformative legislative package” concerning the DOTD creates the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, replaces the Office of Planning and Office of Engineering with the Office of Project Delivery and creates the Office of Transformation.
Landry’s efforts to combat the crippling effects of insurance costs throughout the state are ongoing. The Center Square previously reported on what Landry called the “largest tort reform effort in Louisiana history” as he signed a series of bills on May 28 that hold insurance companies accountable.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
