NFIB State Director Leah Long today praised the Louisiana House for passing a package of common-sense insurance reform bills designed to reduce costs and improve fairness in the state’s legal system. She also called on the state Senate to act quickly to pass the measures and deliver meaningful relief to small business owners.

“We’re grateful to the members of the House who stood up for small businesses by voting for these important reforms,” Long said. “High insurance premiums and an unpredictable legal climate have long made it harder for small business owners to grow and create jobs. These bills will help restore balance to our civil justice system and make Louisiana a more competitive place to do business.”

The bills passed by the House include:

• House Bill 34 by Rep. Brian Glorioso would eliminate recovery of phantom damages and ensure plaintiffs are fairly compensated based on the amount actually paid for reasonable and necessary medical care.
• House Bill 427 by Rep. Jason Hughes would create a reversionary trust for future medical expenses.
• House Bill 431 by Rep. Michael Chenevert would limit damage recovery if the plaintiff is found to be 51 percent or more at fault, aligning Louisiana with 38 other states that use a version of modified comparative fault.
• House Bill 432 by Rep. Michael Chenevert would reinforce 2024 reforms by strengthening oversight and transparency in third-party litigation funding.
• House Bill 439 by Rep. Troy Hebert would place a limit on the first $15,000 of attorney contingency fees.
• House Bill 449 by Rep. Josh Carlson would require disclosure of an attorney’s interest in a case under certain circumstances.
• House Bill 450 by Rep. Michael Melerine would eliminate the judicially created Housely presumption that assumes a relationship between an accident and an injury without evidence of causation.
• House Bill 434 by Rep. Jason DeWitt would apply a “no pay, no play” provision with a $100,000 cap.
• House Bill 435 by Rep. Peter Egan would cap general damages, currently set at $5 million.
• House Bill 443 by Rep. Chance Henry would require plaintiffs to provide pre-suit notice.
• House Bill 440 by Rep. Chance Henry would establish a duty to mitigate damages.

“These reforms are essential to improving Louisiana’s business climate,” Long said. “We urge the Senate to pass these bills and give small business owners the certainty they need to invest in their businesses and their communities.”