Lana Venable of the Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch commented on the failure of the state legislature to pass the most meaningful reform proposals.
“With the second-highest insurance rates in the U.S. and a hidden annual ‘tort tax’ of more than $4,000 per family, lawsuit abuse is costing all Louisianans,” Venable told Louisiana Record. “Unfortunately, the legislative will to do something about it was lacking during this election-year session.”
One of the bills to pass was H.B. 578, however, which will provide almost $700 million in road improvements in the state without a tax increase.
Venable believes the biggest topic of concern in Louisiana is still that of auto insurance and jackpot justice, both which hinder the economic health of the state.
“Our litigious environment makes it difficult for existing businesses – especially those relying on commercial fleets – to be successful here. Our poor legal climate is also not lost on potential new businesses, impacting job creation,” Venable said. “‘Jackpot justice’ must become a ballot box issue, with the election of policy makers who are willing to address the concerns of their constituents vs. the trial bar.”