The Senate Judiciary A Committee of the Louisiana Legislature convened on May 28, 2025, to discuss several legislative matters, primarily focusing on proposed changes to the state’s tort laws and their implications for insurance rates.

The meeting began with a discussion led by Senator Luna regarding a proposed amendment to Senate Bill 148, which aims to address the high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. Senator Luna expressed concerns about the state becoming an outlier by adopting a rule that only one other state, Texas, currently implements. He highlighted that 40 states explicitly do not support such a measure, while others have variations that differ significantly from the proposed legislation.

Senator Luna emphasized the need for balanced legislation that could potentially reduce insurance rates, which are among the highest in the nation. He noted that the intent behind the bill is to eliminate baseless claims and defenses, thereby improving the overall legal framework surrounding injury cases. However, he acknowledged the challenges in garnering support for the amendment, particularly from Senators Carter and Mizell, who voiced their opposition.

The committee then voted on the adoption of amendment set 22 25, which sought to modify the language of the bill to treat all parties equally. The amendment failed with a vote of 3 against and 1 in favor, leading to further discussions about the bill's future.

Brian Katz, representing the Louisiana Association for Justice, spoke in opposition to the proposed changes, arguing that they would not effectively reduce claims or insurance rates. He pointed out that the existing cost system already discourages frivolous lawsuits and that the proposed rule would not address the underlying issues contributing to high insurance costs.

Despite the opposition, some committee members, including Senator Mizell, acknowledged the need for bold actions to tackle the insurance crisis. The meeting concluded with a motion from Senator Luna to defer Senate Bill 148, which was met with some objections but ultimately passed with a majority vote.

The committee's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to reform Louisiana's tort laws amid rising insurance costs, highlighting the complexities and differing opinions surrounding potential legislative solutions. Further conversations and evaluations of the proposed measures are expected as the legislative session progresses.