Louisiana Lawmakers Debate Controversial Insurance Bill
What happens when someone who’s undocumented gets into a car accident in Louisiana? It’s already complicated, but House Bill 436 might make it even more so. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Gabe Firment (R-Pollock), aims to prohibit undocumented immigrants from recovering insurance payouts for general damages like pain and suffering. Why? Firment says it’s a way to tackle Louisiana’s auto insurance crisis and discourage undocumented immigration.
The bill recently cleared the Senate Committee on Judiciary A with a 4-3 vote, following strict party lines. Now, it’s heading to the Senate floor for final passage. When exactly will that happen? While there’s no set date, it’s expected in the coming weeks.
What’s in the Bill, and Why’s It Causing a Stir?
House Bill 436 doesn’t entirely block undocumented immigrants from getting compensation after an accident. They’d still be able to recover special damages like medical expenses and property damage. But general damages? Off the table.
Firment believes this strikes a balance. According to him, the bill lets undocumented individuals cover things like hospital bills but stops what he calls “unnecessary lawsuits.” Want to know his reasoning? He points to soaring auto insurance rates in Louisiana, which rank among the highest in the country. He says this bill is part of a broader effort to rein in those costs.
But here’s the rub. Critics argue the bill creates “a double standard.” Insurance companies could still sell policies to undocumented individuals, profiting off these customers, but wouldn’t face the same obligation to pay out under certain circumstances. State Senator Sam Jenkins (D-Shreveport) didn’t mince words about it. He called it unfair.
“Wouldn’t this mean undocumented people are buying policies they might never use?” he asked during the debate. Other lawmakers, like Sen. Jay Luneau (D-Alexandria), echoed that point, citing how insurers already sell coverage to folks without U.S. residency as long as they have a passport.
When Will This Bill Be Decided?
Good question. The measure still needs final approval on the Senate floor. Firment’s team hopes to have it reviewed and passed soon; how soon depends on scheduling, but the process is moving quickly.
What Happens If the Bill Passes?
Critics say it could have serious consequences. Imagine you’re an undocumented person in Louisiana. You’ve played by the rules, bought insurance, and then you’re in a bad wreck. You might still have your hospital paid for—but what about compensation for long-term issues like chronic pain? For Firment, that’s part of the point. He claims these lawsuits drive up rates for everyone else.
But opponents worry it sends the wrong message. They say it might discourage undocumented drivers from getting insurance at all. And that could leave accidents even messier for everyone involved.
Is there any middle ground here? Firment insists the bill doesn’t stop companies from settling claims voluntarily. But whether or not that’s enough to calm critics remains to be seen.
What’s Next?
The debate over House Bill 436 comes at a time when Louisiana lawmakers are wrestling with other auto insurance reforms, all with the aim of reducing costs. But this specific measure has quickly become one of the most divisive.
Will it fix the state’s insurance crisis? Or create more problems than it solves? Time will tell. For now, the bill inches closer to a final vote, putting Louisiana in the spotlight as the country watches how this debate shakes out.
Stay tuned for updates as it makes its way through the Senate.