In week five of the legislative session, significant discussions and battles are anticipated. Will Green, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, joins the show to discuss the Legislative Session, which is halfway through, and concentrated on addressing Louisiana's insurance crisis. The House has prioritized moving insurance legislation quickly to the Senate for debate and potential approval before tax and budget discussions dominate the agenda.Will Green highlights that 40 different bills will be presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee A, often referred to as the place where good bills die.
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) aims to create a fair and transparent civil justice system. Green emphasizes the need for medical expense transparency, a reform supported by Senator Mike Reese. This reform ensures that juries see the actual payments made for medical bills rather than just the sticker price, promoting a balanced system.Another significant bill discussed is Representative Mellorine's proposal to reverse the Housely presumption. This bill requires plaintiffs to prove that their symptoms were caused by an accident, rather than assuming causation based on the presence of symptoms after an accident. This change aims to create a fairer legal environment, similar to other states.The conversation also touches on the burden of proof, which under Mellorine's bill, would be on the plaintiff. This aligns with the general principle of being innocent until proven guilty. Green and Brian discuss the importance of ensuring that insurance indemnifies individuals for their losses without putting them in a better position than before the accident.
Finally, they briefly mention the inventory tax bill up in Ways and Means, highlighting its significance.
