[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6219127,"mediaKeyId","3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35","parentId",3624019,"title","Sponsor agrees to limit civil-service constitutional change to state employees after New Orleans officials raise concern","audioSeconds",2914,"startMs",2360000,"endMs",5274000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35&start=2360&end=5274","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35/thumbnail_2360000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6219127/Louisiana/Sponsor-agrees-to-limit-civil-service-constitutional-change-to-state-employees-after-New-Orleans-officials-raise-concern","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219127-c2ac349d9985f1ec160b44992b61de79/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542103&Signature=HXyJAWUEE1kJbAAkR0hx~j9PZlQ~pOZBjoKxKRwyG6NfdSSdm-A3Yy-kjRzeLchaIgwP4sb8XViuZXSI0R9N6vV6vVUMiS4bSbhHupc2qxZBih0WA-W25igGpPEQUKcBXPDkDkECKh6b-pfNODBMw-Gc9Nd8W1fKLS6IUQa3Yw6F0gULkTnsM05bI~PdaBBJrfk70pxY7VvT9lXA267ZUPidmpHxtQAWk2o1sujfRWITLNApO8bn3gNKginhs-m~4SObxgKDCwatTjHPY2hruN3iDcz29KmS9uJhD42n-e4JxnjulH5pOoElGciRiLbYHD354u26ZnILto~nB8yGHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-06-02T00:00:00Z","article","The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee advanced Senate Bill 8 after the bill’s sponsor agreed to clarify that the proposed constitutional change would apply only to state civil service positions, not municipal or city civil-service systems.

What the bill would do: SB 8 proposes an amendment to Article X, Section 2 of the Louisiana Constitution to allow the legislature to add certain officers, positions, and employees to the unclassified civil service by law. The author's stated intent at the hearing was to enable legislative action regarding state civil-service positions only; he said he would accept an amendment to make that limitation explicit so municipal systems would not be affected.

Why this matters: Several witnesses from New Orleans — including a member of the New Orleans Civil Service Commission and a local firefighter representative — urged the committee to ensure the amendment would not sweep in city-level civil-service systems, including New Orleans’ consolidated city system, and in particular not affect police and fire classification. They cited past experience where classification changes in critical public-safety or emergency functions had produced disruptive contract and personnel results. Andrew Monteverdi, a New Orleans civil-service commissioner, asked the committee to “make it plain in the ballot language” that city civil service is not affected.

Committee action: The sponsor (Senator Morris) acknowledged that the text as drafted could be read to include both state and city civil service and said his intent was only to affect state employees; he offered to add clarifying language either in committee or on the floor. The chair then moved to report SB 8 as amended (to include clarifying language limiting effect to state civil service), and the committee adopted the motion without objection. Committee staff confirmed an amended 6.8(a) report was adopted.

Next steps and context: The author said he will file or accept an amendment to make the ballot language and statutory text explicit that the change applies to state civil service only; the committee recorded the bill as reported with that understanding. Witnesses urged careful ballot wording so voters understand the measure will not alter municipal or New Orleans civil-service protections.

Ending: The sponsor’s agreement to clarify scope addressed the core stakeholder concern and allowed the committee to advance the measure; New Orleans officials asked for follow-through to ensure ballot language and final statutory text remove ambiguity and protect local civil-service arrangements.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Civil Law Meeting - June 02, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee advanced Senate Bill 8 after the bill’s sponsor agreed to clarify that the proposed constitutional change would apply only to state civil service positions, not municipal or city civil-service systems.","taxTitle","Civil Law and Procedure, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Louisiana","taxId",20970,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6219132,"Committee advances bill to limit jury awards for medical expenses to amounts actually paid by insurers or agreed providers",697,4933000,5630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35&start=4933&end=5630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35/thumbnail_4933000.jpg","/articles/6219132/Louisiana/Committee-advances-bill-to-limit-jury-awards-for-medical-expenses-to-amounts-actually-paid-by-insurers-or-agreed-providers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219132-505c01167a399f2d26f0363d81d46a88/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542103&Signature=oIil33dmUxjXvSfqHhuFOD~p4y5YgOBbV9q5RtcQ1NZzZVJpYrDMlKB3Edz3xSk78xIiumgQt6ONa80lUK-0O5SPVoN1L8p1GI42XreBI8LelTG6PihcdCQF-D8MEYKxFBI6nmqeI2rTWhOvd9x6Itqrs0TVbJKaipHvVyhQehgr6evgmMwmwxfA4WknOw2S4VBqRY-xqBWSOJvZWGxw-ADttV9QyqH1zQZHc71BbHFjbrz8BxYduPCSF6Ok4aRv4OIDQnDY7aqGrwLylDbcUx4~4G8CxcK03uZpyM1kg2OG93PWc12YdJkvLokiMwIpZVeBDf8O3wvORuFmCSfhCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted to report Senate Bill 231 favorably after debate about how juries should be informed of medical bills that have already been paid by insurance or reduced through provider agreements.

Senator Reese said the bill narrows the collateral-source question to “phantom damages” — billed amounts that no insurer will actually pay — and would allow evidence of what health insurance or other third parties actually paid for medical care. The measure also incorporates language addressing pre-negotiated agreements between a plaintiff’s attorney and medical providers (often called Hoffman-style arrangements), limiting recovery to the amount actually paid under such agreements plus applicable patient cost-sharing.

Why this matters: The bill affects how past medical expenses are presented to juries and how recoverable medical damages are calculated. Sponsor Reese and industry witnesses said the change aims to align jury awards with actual economic outlays and reduce inflated awards that raise insurance premiums, notably in commercial auto markets cited by insurers.

Committee discussion touched on unresolved issues including unpaid “cash-pay” bills (where a provider has not been paid by an insurer and the patient pays cash), discoverability of provider agreements, and whether revealing payment details to juries is appropriate. Representative Carlson and others praised the bill’s collateral-source clarity but said it does not resolve problems from cash-pay billing practices; Carlson noted many plaintiffs’ medical bills are now cash-pay and called that the bigger driver of inflated medical costs.

Action: The committee adopted the bill and reported SB 231 favorably; Representative Glorioso moved to report the bill favorably and the chair announced it was reported favorably to the floor with no objection. Sponsor and stakeholders said they will continue technical work on discoverability and on how to treat unpaid bills.

Ending: Supporters said the bill would simplify presentation of past medical expenses to juries and help insurers and businesses that face rising premiums, while critics said broader work is needed to address cash-pay and provider billing practices.","Lawmakers voted to report Senate Bill 231, which would require juries to consider amounts actually paid by insurers or pursuant to pre-negotiated provider agreements when awarding past medical expenses, addressing the collateral-source issue and aiming to reduce inflated billed amounts in civil litigation.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6219136,"Committee deadlocks on bill letting nearby residents sue to enjoin illegal short-term rentals after heated testimony",2533,2017000,4550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35&start=2017&end=4550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35/thumbnail_2017000.jpg","/articles/6219136/Louisiana/Committee-deadlocks-on-bill-letting-nearby-residents-sue-to-enjoin-illegal-short-term-rentals-after-heated-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219136-780d72ed0b145b5e5fa50e539dcdb867/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542103&Signature=BGJySt7BGShp-c3sjnY8r8nhoobdmaz0z7xixm1j6jyGmCSEBNmglO-OlFjCngOJBtpF4HgGcBod4ub64V8x8TY~ebuhlIIah6PUXrIPJiqNBD0Fw8Lr2fB5KwRABK0~q-NbNoHPL9mctIgrmErrwD1815dGKCA12cncDQ9nDs8IftJV4Vqt8cO4Cp2NrphXYcfaGUSC83-pX~p10kMeWu9BtlGZbqxCLu0m33ORhKexKK03q75JGD-rdDKAOXHWGGFKSbEQC5MR1hxa6U240EOpMdLdsarMew0IQJVqrEOgQuLSyVKV~GZGyu48BLShZAdsp2VC4l8xgboYmFOhqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lawmakers debated and ultimately did not advance a bill that would create a private cause of action to enjoin short-term rental operations alleged to be operating without required local permits.

Senate Bill 225, introduced by Senator DuPlessis, would let an “interested party” living within 300 feet of a property seek injunctive or declaratory relief in district court to stop alleged illegal short-term rental activity if local enforcement did not resolve the claimed violations. The sponsor described the measure as a targeted “tool in the toolbox” to curb unlicensed short-term rentals and protect neighborhoods, and said the bill provides for awarding attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party to deter frivolous suits.

Why this matters: Supporters argued the proposal would help neighborhoods and lawful operators when local governments lack capacity to enforce rules. Opponents — including hotel and restaurant associations and Airbnb representatives and local hosts — said the bill would shift local land-use enforcement into district court, invite costly litigation and harassment of lawful hosts, and could be used strategically by well-funded interests to harass competitors.

Public testimony split along industry and resident lines. Rodney Braxton, representing Airbnb, opposed the bill and warned it could let well-funded actors file injunctive suits that would push legitimate hosts out of business. “A well funded nonprofit made up of hotels … could certainly harass someone out of business,” he said. Amy Monette, an individual host from Baton Rouge, described hosting as necessary supplemental income and urged defeat of the bill: “Please remember that it is about the people. And vote no.” Several municipal and hospitality groups submitted cards in support, and local officials and tourism organizations testified the problem of enforcement affects multiple cities.

Key legal and procedural questions raised included whether the bill would improperly convert municipal code enforcement matters into district court litigation, whether the bill would apply where no local ordinance exists, and how notice and cure provisions would function. Representative Carlson and others questioned whether the bill would prompt meritless suits that create costs for hosts even if suits are dismissed. Sponsor DuPlessis said amendments added a fee-shifting provision allowing courts to award attorney fees to the prevailing party, and said she was open to further language to limit abuse and possible sunset provisions.

Committee action: Representative Glorioso moved to report the bill favorably; Representative Carlson objected. A roll-call vote produced a tie at one point (7 yeas, 7 nays). A subsequent tally recorded 7 yeas and 8 nays and the motion did not pass, leaving the measure without committee approval.

Ending: Sponsors and opponents indicated willingness to continue working on drafting changes. Opponents urged local enforcement solutions instead of a statewide private cause of action; the sponsor said she would consider targeted amendments to narrow scope and add safeguards.","Senate Bill 225, which would allow residents within 300 feet to seek injunctive relief against allegedly unlicensed short-term rentals, drew opposition from industry groups and hosts and failed to pass the committee after tie votes and debate over local enforcement and court jurisdiction.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6219141,"Committee approves ballot language for St. George school-system constitutional amendment after public concern over term “community”",411,127000,538000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35&start=127&end=538","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3624019-19d4d491b36b170a8eb6253eff34ab35/thumbnail_127000.jpg","/articles/6219141/Louisiana/Committee-approves-ballot-language-for-St-George-school-system-constitutional-amendment-after-public-concern-over-term-community","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219141-0a701cd9ca940db749d8b7a2d8021fbc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770542103&Signature=kH0bari8QUlOU6h4MwhWu05lKh7mfGnk7JdAc4kwPj--owEeT3-J87K7FmWpudHf0RpXOaOph5icMqMy~KmPPpdZlCZPH0N0s~dhJ-O8TUk9idjGJdRcYY27q0GJrxa6Ue-0vfwbkIhhRB4GSe77rguFCX20rWp0RQuCWva6q7NsfuWWK6q6IdsD0Q3f5zJ2Ix1zSfw1eGdnccyYQOoXRXDxXj41DMHWRkWXYHvYVJX7lF2qWI51wXgZTCiRpqL6y0I4HYPwR3IVI7KT8pqsJBNRQw6u4TknFiTtr~U4hozh7Niy9iJD2oi7HjZ6WxCT4M9B0IUq3HBMNGYgJZ-0EA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 25 as amended, clearing ballot language for a constitutional amendment that would treat a St. George school system in East Baton Rouge Parish “as a parish” for school-operation purposes.

Supporters and opponents at the committee hearing urged precision in the wording on the ballot. Several parents and residents said the phrase “St. George Community School System” may create legal uncertainty if the district boundaries are coterminous with city limits and urged the committee to use “City of St. George School System” or “St. George Municipal School System.” Danielle Altavan told the committee the constitution already uses city or municipal terminology for coterminous districts and that voters deserve clear language. “The term community school system … might imply a different structure or a set of boundary definitions that may not be applicable here,” Altavan said.

Why this matters: The amendment would change Article VIII, Section 13(d)(1) of the Louisiana Constitution to allow the newly formed St. George district to exercise the authorities parishes have to operate a school system; that change must go to a statewide vote. Committee discussion focused only on ballot language under House rule 6.8(a), which requires simple, unbiased wording that lets voters identify what they are voting on.

Committee staff reminded members that the committee’s review is limited to ballot language: Allison Alonzo, the committee attorney, said the 6.8(a) review is to ensure the ballot language is “simple, unbiased, concise and easily understood,” and noted the proposed election date of April 18, 2026, with a fallback of Nov. 3, 2026, if another enabling measure does not pass.

Public commenters said the bill’s substantive provisions have been debated in other committees and that today’s hearing was limited to the ballot text. Several speakers emphasized that Central and Zachary used the term “community” because their school district boundaries extend beyond their city lines, whereas St. George has coterminous city and school lines and therefore, in previous constitutional references, has historically been called a municipal or city school system. Caitlin Joshua, a parent, told the committee, “When they put the community schools, that means that they can go beyond and incorporate East Baton Rouge.”

Committee action: The committee adopted the 6.8(a) report and amendments and then voted to report SB 25 as amended. Representative Shinnevar moved to report the bill favorably. The roll call recorded 11 yeas and 2 nays; the chair announced the amended bill was reported to the floor.

Background and next steps: Committee members and the bill’s sponsor described this as a local constitutional amendment following a multi-committee process (senate education, senate finance, house education, house appropriation). If voters approve the amendment, the newly constituted St. George school system would be authorized to exercise powers ordinarily granted to parishes for school operations; the companion statute that defines the district boundaries was discussed in other hearings and remains separate from the ballot-language review. If clear statutory boundaries are not enacted, commenters warned voters could approve vague authority without knowing which schools or boundaries would be included.

Ending: Committee debate remained limited to the ballot text. Several residents asked the sponsor and members to ensure the final ballot wording reflects that the proposed district would be coterminous with the city if that is intended, so voters would know whether they are approving a municipal/city school system or a broader community district.","The House Civil Law and Procedure Committee approved a 6.8(a) report and moved Senate Bill 25, which would place a constitutional amendment about a St. George school system before voters, after testimony from residents who urged changing the ballot language to say “city” or “municipal” rather than “community.”","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sponsor agrees to limit civil-service constitutional change to state employees after New Orleans officials raise concern

Committee advances bill to limit jury awards for medical expenses to amounts actually paid by insurers or agreed providers

Committee deadlocks on bill letting nearby residents sue to enjoin illegal short-term rentals after heated testimony

Committee approves ballot language for St. George school-system constitutional amendment after public concern over term “community”