Louisiana – Governor Jeff Landry on Thursday signed into law a series of bills aimed at overhauling Louisiana’s tort system, describing the legislative package as the most significant tort reform effort in the state’s history. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Governor’s Mansion.
“Today, we’ve taken steps to shield Louisianans from frivolous lawsuits driven by trial lawyers—using a data-driven strategy,” said Landry during the signing ceremony. “And we made it clear to insurance companies that they must answer to their policyholders. Over the past fifty days, I am proud to say that the only side I’ve stood with is the people of Louisiana.”
The reform effort, which Landry and Republican legislative leaders say is intended to reduce auto insurance costs and prevent abuse of the legal system, includes six new laws covering everything from insurance regulation to personal injury claims.
Key provisions include:
-
HB 148 – Insurance Commissioner Authority: Expands the regulatory power of the Insurance Commissioner to control rate increases. This brings Louisiana more in line with neighboring states such as Texas, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama, which already grant similar authority.
-
HB 450 – Housley Presumption: Places the burden of proof on plaintiffs in car accident lawsuits to demonstrate that any injuries claimed were directly caused by the accident in question.
-
HB 434 – No Pay, No Play: Raises the threshold at which uninsured drivers may seek compensation for bodily injury. Previously capped at $15,000, the new law disallows claims for amounts under $100,000 if the claimant lacked insurance at the time of the incident.
-
HB 436 – Illegal Aliens: Prevents undocumented immigrants involved in car accidents from recovering general damages for injuries.
-
HB 431 – Comparative Fault: Modifies the state’s comparative fault rules, barring drivers who are found to be 51% or more at fault in an accident from recovering damages. Current law allows such individuals to recover the remaining percentage of damages, which this bill now eliminates.
-
HB 549 – Dash Cam Discount: Creates an incentive for commercial drivers to install dashboard cameras and telematics systems by offering insurance premium discounts.
Critics of the measures, including some Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups, have expressed concern that the changes could limit access to justice for low-income individuals, undocumented immigrants, and others who rely on legal recourse after an accident. Supporters argue the new laws will help curb legal abuse and lower the state’s high auto insurance premiums.
The reforms take effect over the coming months, with the Insurance Commissioner expected to begin implementing the new regulatory authority immediately.
A full video of the press conference is available on the governor’s official website.