Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the rules for joining insurance companies as defendants in civil lawsuits, primarily affecting plaintiffs, defendants, and liability insurers. It allows courts to add an insurer to a case after a verdict or settlement is reached to ensure the judgment can be enforced, provided the lawsuit falls within the policy's coverage limits and the insurer has not previously denied coverage. The legislation also establishes specific deadlines for insurers to formally notify insured individuals when they decide not to cover a claim or refuse to defend them in court. Additionally, it sets procedures for how insurers must communicate their decision to reserve rights regarding a claim, requiring written notice to the insured and the insured's legal counsel within a set timeframe before trial.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill designates the northern bascule section of the U.S. Route 11 Maestri Bridge in St. Tammany Parish as the "Jimmy Buffett 'Changes in Latitude' Memorial Crossing." It directs the Department of Transportation and Development to install and maintain signs for this designation, provided that local or private funds cover the costs of materials and installation, with a limit of $550 per sign. The signage will be placed near the bridge's service building and, if additional funding is available, on the opposite side of the pier to be visible to boats.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an Alzheimer's and Related Dementias Advisory Council within the Louisiana Department of Health to provide guidance on issues affecting people with dementia. The council will be composed of specific members, including a representative from the home health industry with dementia experience, and the governor must appoint a caregiver for a person with Alzheimer's or related dementia to the group. The legislation also updates the council's connection to the governor's office of elderly affairs and adjusts the number of members to twenty-two. These changes aim to create a formal advisory body focused on dementia care without altering existing funding or operational procedures.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires educational institutions and agencies offering commercial driver training to include human trafficking education in their curriculum. The training must be in place by January 1, 2025, but the specific provisions take effect earlier, on August 1, 2024. This change directly affects schools and organizations that teach driving skills to commercial vehicle operators. The legislation aims to ensure that future commercial drivers are informed about human trafficking risks as part of their standard training.
Maddy summaryThis resolution directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to conduct a study on adoption proceedings in the state, specifically focusing on the process of surrendering a child. The study aims to review various legal aspects, including language changes to promote a positive association with adoption, timelines for surrendering a child, parental rights and notice for alleged fathers, and rules regarding financial reimbursements and home studies. The Institute is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the legislature by January 6, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution expresses the Louisiana Legislature's intent that laws regarding sexual abuse of minors should not have time limits on when victims can file lawsuits. It specifically addresses a recent court ruling that declared previous attempts to revive expired claims unconstitutional, arguing that such time limits do not create permanent rights for the accused. The bill asserts that the state has a legitimate interest in addressing child abuse by allowing victims to seek justice regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred. Ultimately, it serves as a formal legislative statement supporting the removal of expiration dates for these specific legal claims.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific stretch of United States Highway 51 in St. John the Baptist Parish as the "Arnold J. Labat Memorial Highway." The designated section runs between United States Highway 61 and Interstate 10. By officially naming this road, the legislation honors Arnold J. Labat, though it does not alter traffic rules or funding. The change is purely symbolic and applies only to the named portion of the highway within that parish.
Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific section of Interstate 55 in Tangipahoa Parish as the "Trooper Hung Le Memorial Highway" to honor a fallen law enforcement officer. The legislation directly affects the state's transportation infrastructure by officially naming this roadway segment. A key provision involves amending the bill's budget to increase the designated funding amount from $550 to $1,680. This change ensures the memorial designation is properly funded and officially recorded in state records.