Legislative Update - May 16, 2023

Good news – the Louisiana Legislature is making headway on improving laws to protect consumers and move the needle somewhat on property insurance reform. Bad news - no one should expect property insurers to flock back to Louisiana and rates to go down overnight.

Bills moving through the process include those that would require endorsements and discounts for Fortified Roofs, prohibit assignment of insurance benefits, and improve Louisiana’s insurance regulatory market.

House Bill No. 180, Representative Matthew Willard

This bill would have required housing providers to disclose their criminal history screening or admission criteria in as much detail as is feasible prior to accepting an application fee from a prospective tenant.  

Position:  Oppose

Status:  Heard by the House Commerce Committee; voluntarily deferred

House Bill No. 660, Representative Edmond Jordan

Position:  Oppose

Status:  Set to be heard by the House on Thursday, May 18th

As amended in the House Commerce Committee, HB No. 606 would do the following:

(1) Allow a residential rental tenant to terminate their lease if there are police reports for at least two violent crimes or drug offenses occurring on the property of a multi-family residence where the tenant resides or on an adjacent property if the rental property resided in by the tenant is a single-family residence. 

(2) Prohibit a lessor from reporting the termination of a lease under proposed law to a credit bureau, but allow the lessor to pursue legal action to be paid the amount owed for the remaining term of the lease.

(3) Require owners or managers of all residential rental properties (single or multi-family) provide certain security measures including security cameras capable of obtaining clear footage of all property not located within the confines of building or structure of the residence and lighting of significant strength so security cameras can obtain clear footage of those areas.

(4) Require all owners or property managers of any rental property disclose to any prospective tenant the resources where data regarding criminal incidents occurring within close proximity to the rental property may be obtained.

While the bill has a noble intent, the unintended consequences and upheaval it would cause in the statewide residential rental market would result in crippling instability for lessees and lessors alike.  Members are encouraged to contact their state representative to ask them to oppose the bill.

Find who represents you in the state House of Representatives here.

There are three bills going through the process that prohibit the sale or purchase of certain types of property by foreign adversaries.  Louisiana REALTORS® is currently monitoring these bills, but this position may change as more information regarding the potential unintended consequences this type of legislation may cause the real estate profession and market.