Senate Updates: Senate Judiciary A Advances Key Civil Justice Reform Bills

Information originally compiled by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI)

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) is pleased to report that several key civil justice reform bills advanced out of the Senate Judiciary A Committee this week. These measures represent real progress in addressing the legal environment and high insurance costs that have burdened our state's trucking industry for too long.

Each of these bills plays a role in restoring fairness to our legal system and reducing the incentives for predatory litigation that directly affect Louisiana's transportation sector.

A special thank you to the LMTA members who testified in support of these bills:
Mark Younger (Younger Wholesale Growers), Brett Berard (Berard Transportation), Rickie Guillory (Guillory Petroleum Transportation), Randy Guillot (Triple G Express), and Todd Hine (Hine Environmental). Your voices and stories made a powerful impact and helped move these reforms forward.

HB 434 - Rep. Jason Dewitt (R-Tioga)

Strengthens "No Pay, No Play" Provisions
This bill limits recovery for uninsured drivers by raising the minimum recovery threshold to $100,000. It closes a loophole that allowed uninsured motorists to sue while avoiding personal responsibility--helping reduce costs for insured, law-abiding drivers.
Vote: Reported favorably, 4-3

HB 431 - Rep. Emily Chenevert (R-Baton Rouge)

Moves Louisiana to a Modified Comparative Fault System
This legislation prevents individuals who are 51 percent or more at fault in an incident from recovering damages. Committee amendments by Chairman Greg Miller included provisions on proportionate responsibility and required jury instructions--raising concerns about potential jury confusion.
Vote: Reported with amendments, 4-3

HB 450 - Rep. Michael Melerine (R-Shreveport)

Repeals the Housley Presumption
HB 450 eliminates a presumption that unfairly shifts the burden of proof to defendants in injury claims. This restores the standard that plaintiffs must prove medical causation--an important step toward curbing inflated claims and reducing legal exposure for businesses.
Vote: Reported favorably, 4-3

SB 231 - Sen. Mike Reese (R-Leesville)

Introduces "Billed vs. Paid" Evidence in Damages
As originally drafted, this bill would allow courts to consider both the billed and paid amounts for medical care when determining damages. Amendments were adopted in committee, and while not all were favorable, the bill advanced and remains under close review by LMTA.
Status: Advanced with amendments

HB 436 - Rep. Gabe Firment

Prohibits Recovery of Certain Damages for Unauthorized Aliens
This bill bars recovery for individuals residing in the country illegally. It was heard Tuesday in the Senate Judiciary A Committee and reported favorably.
Vote: Reported favorably, 4-3

Chairman Greg Miller (R-Norco) cast the tie-breaking vote in each of these 4-3 decisions, helping push this crucial reform package one step closer to the Senate floor. While some bills now contain concerning amendments, their advancement marks significant momentum in the fight for meaningful civil justice reform.

Now is the time for action. We need LMTA members to send our letter of support urging Louisiana Senators to pass these critical reforms.
Click here to sign the letter

LMTA will continue working to ensure these bills remain strong and effective as they move forward in the legislative process.

This update is based on information originally compiled and reported by the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI).

Help Us Oppose a Trailer Tax Increase in the Legislature

This week the House Transportation Committee voted to increase both the registration fee and the license plate fee on every trailer weighing more than 6,000 pounds--including farm trailers, light trailers, boat trailers, and semi-trailers.

Why? To help fund a ferry in New Orleans.

• Trailer and Semitrailer Annual Registration:
  • $10 HIKED TO $15 (Increase of $5)
• Trailer and Semitrailer Permanent Registration:
  • $70 HIKED TO $105 (Increase of $35)
• Light Trailer, Farm Trailer, or Boat Trailer Annual Registration:
  • $3 HIKED TO $4.50 (Increase of $1.50)

These hikes will hit hard working Louisianans across the board--especially those in agriculture, transportation, and recreation.

To make matters worse, the bill says you can request a refund if your trailer isn't in use--but only after paying upfront and hoping the government gives it back.

This bill now moves to the House Appropriations Committee.

We need your help to stop this tax increase!

Sign and send our letter in opposition to this bill to your Representative TODAY!