Three committees of the Louisiana Legislature convened Friday to continue their discussions during the interim on the topic of insurance. The House Committees on Insurance as well as Civil Law and Procedure and the Senate Judiciary A Committee each tackled specific topics to gather information that could be used to address the state’s insurance crisis in the future.

In the House Insurance Committee, members heard about factors impacting the underlying cost of automobile insurance for drivers, including plaintiff attorney advertising, insurer advertising, and ratemaking factors.

“I have been very encouraged by the resolve of the Legislature to listen to our constituents and take bold action to address the insurance crisis plaguing our state,” said Insurance Chair Gabe Firment. “I am optimistic that the series of monthly meetings being held by separate legislative committees that deal with insurance will result in a comprehensive package of bills that can bring stability and competitiveness to the automobile insurance market in our state. By utilizing an analytical, data-driven approach to address this crisis, we can remove politics form the equation and develop evidence based solutions that will bring stability to the market and relief to hard-working Louisiana families and businesses.”

During the House Civil Law and Procedure Committee attendees received information about insurance advertising as well issues including loser pay, comparative fault/contributory negligence and the cost of ambulances.

“As a legislature we have been focused on doing everything that we can to make sure the citizens of Louisiana have competitive insurance rates,” said Civil Law Chair Nicky Muscarello. “The steps we have taken are unprecedented and we have taken a deep dive into the disparities of our insurance rates compared to our neighboring states. At the end of this process I feel confident we will expose the root of the problem and take measures to repair the insurance crisis, but make no mistake, it will take everybody getting uncomfortable and every business and entity who profits from the insurance industry to be open and honest with our citizens.”

Consumer advocates shared testimony with the Senate Judiciary A Committee suggesting possible solutions for constituents paying high rates. Senators also heard from the Louisiana Association for Justice on insurance affordability.

“We listened to many points of view from consumer advocates today and we thank them for their willingness to share their ideas for lowering costs,” said Judiciary A Chair Greg Miller. “The committee also clearly asked Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple to collect and share his thoughts for addressing the premiums constituents are forced to pay.”

Interim committee meetings on insurance are planned to continue in the months ahead leading up to the 2025 Legislative Fiscal Session.