With auto insurance rates among the highest in the country, the Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch organization expressed frustration that a reform proposal stalled during the recent legislative session.
The proposed bill, H.B. 372, sponsored by Rep. Talbot (R-River Ridge) was voted down by the Senate Judiciary A Committee. According to The Advocate, Talbot has strong opinions about the committee and its treatment of his bill, saying that “Judiciary A was created to kill tort reform bills.” However, with businesses and individuals starting to turn to more friendly, affordable and less-litigious environments, such as Texas and Mississippi, it begs the question as to why a committee would purposely prevent needed reform from coming to the state.
“Unfortunately, the Senate Judiciary A Committee has long been a foil for civil justice reform legislation,” Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch Executive Director Lana Venable told Louisiana Record.
Talbot’s bill would have brought about a number of reforms that would have served the state and its citizens well, but even such a promising proposal was not enough to sway the committee.
“While Rep. Talbot’s bill received overwhelming support in the House, this package of common sense reforms experienced a sure and painful death in this powerful committee,” Venable said. “Even after emotional testimony from business owners representing some of Louisiana’s critical industries – including timber and agriculture – the committee resolved to keep the status quo.”
She added that Louisianans and their businesses will continue to have to deal with an insurance "crisis" that shows no signs of improving anytime soon.