Louisiana’s car insurance crisis could see some relief as bills aimed at addressing high insurance rates advanced in the legislative process on Tuesday. The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee approved measures that aim to reduce lawsuits and payouts to those injured in wrecks, with Republicans leading the charge due to their legislative majority.
Governor Jeff Landry has expressed support for a balanced approach, sparking concern among legislators pushing anti-trial lawyer bills in partnership with Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple. A bill to allow only hands-free cellphone use while driving was also endorsed during a press conference.
The committee debated and passed several bills, including contentious measures such as allowing defendants to state how much injured parties actually paid for medical bills. This move is seen as a way to potentially reduce insurance rates by lowering payouts.
Another bill, if approved, would prevent a driver responsible for more than 51% of an accident from receiving a damage award for injuries. Advocates argue that current laws encourage lawsuits against primarily at-fault drivers.
Despite previous anti-trial lawyer measures, Louisiana still has high insurance rates. The committee’s approval of these bills is seen as a step towards addressing the crisis, with Governor Landry’s support for some measures suggesting a potential path forward. The bills will now move to the House floor for further consideration.
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