Pelican State News

Now that the legislative session has concluded, a series of bills have been signed into law in Louisiana. These laws address various issues including lawsuit and insurance reform, as well as workers' compensation and unemployment.

One significant piece of legislation is HB 337, introduced by Representative Jack McFarland. This bill repeals the state's direct-action statute while preserving limited rights to name an insurer. Governor Jeff Landry signed this bill into law, aligning Louisiana with 47 other states.

Representative Gabe Firment's HB 611 phases out the three-year rule for property insurance, which has been seen as a barrier for insurers in the Louisiana market. The governor also signed this bill.

Senator Alan Seabaugh sponsored SB 84, which adjusts an imbalance in the Code of Civil Procedure regarding offers of judgment. With this new law, Louisiana aligns more closely with other states where only defendants can make such offers. The governor approved this measure.

Another legal adjustment comes from Senator Kirk Talbot's SB 323. It establishes a process for good faith and fair dealing during claims processes to resolve ambiguities hindering swift resolutions. This was also signed by the governor.

SB 355 by Senator Jeremy Stine requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements without making them automatically discoverable. Additionally, it prohibits third parties from influencing settlement negotiations in state court cases. This was among the bills signed into law by the governor.

In matters related to workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits, Representative Troy Romero's HB 119 addresses unemployment compensation benefits' duration and extends benefits. It received gubernatorial approval.

HB 200 from Representative Michael Melerine provides regulations on past payments of workers’ compensation premiums and became law without needing the governor’s signature.

Lastly, Representative Roger Wilder's HB 156 repeals provisions concerning recreation or meal periods for minors at work, another measure signed by the governor.