LMTA’s Legislative Overview
It was a short but consequential week at the Capitol, falling between the Easter holiday and the LMTA Seafood Gala, yet important action still took place on legislation critical to Louisiana’s trucking industry.
House Floor Activity
Despite the abbreviated schedule, the House considered and acted on several notable bills impacting transportation and workers’ compensation.
- HB 746, a local permitting bill addressing inconsistent parish permitting requirements that impact trucking and heavy‑haul operations, passed the House floor unanimously, 102‑0, and now advances to the Senate. This decisive vote represents a strong win for the industry and reflects broad recognition of the operational challenges created by patchwork local permitting practices.
- HB 780, a workers’ compensation reform measure supported by LMTA, also moved off the House floor today by a vote of 71‑24‑10. LMTA supports this legislation and will continue working to advance sensible workers’ compensation reforms as the bill moves through the Senate.
Committee Action – House Civil Law & Procedure
The most challenging issue of the week occurred in House Civil Law & Procedure with consideration of HB 526, the damage caps legislation aimed at addressing Louisiana’s ongoing commercial insurance crisis.
After a long and intense hearing, HB 526 failed on an “ought‑to‑pass” vote, 4‑5.
Voting with LMTA on HB 526 were Representatives: Josh Carlson, Emily Chenevert, Kathy Edmonston, and Michael Melerine.
LMTA extends a sincere and heartfelt thank you to these members for standing with our industry on a difficult and highly scrutinized vote. This was a long hearing and a hard committee, and their willingness to engage, listen, and vote for reform does not go unnoticed.
Voting against HB 526 were Representatives: Wilford Carter, Brian Glorioso, Ed Larvadain, Nicky Muscarello, and Sylvia Taylor.
While HB 526 did not advance this week, the message from Louisiana’s employers and motor carriers was clear — and this issue is far from over.
Special Recognition
LMTA also extends deep appreciation to Representative Kellee Hennessy Dickerson, the author of HB 526. Rep. Dickerson showed real courage and determination by carrying bold damage‑caps legislation in one of the most challenging committees at the Capitol. Her willingness to lead and fight for meaningful reform in the face of strong opposition speaks volumes about her commitment to Louisiana’s job creators.
We will be back!
Looking Ahead
Even during a shortened week, momentum continued. LMTA remains fully engaged on the House and Senate floor and in committee rooms as we push forward on insurance affordability, workers’ compensation reform, and legislation that protects the ability of motor carriers to operate efficiently across Louisiana.
The work continues — and so does the fight.