Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple plans to push additional reforms during the 2026 legislative session as lawmakers continue efforts to lower insurance costs across the state.
Temple said Louisiana has made progress in recent years. However, he believes lawmakers must keep moving forward to make the insurance market more competitive and affordable.
Temple Wants Continued Insurance Reform
Temple said his top priority remains strengthening Louisiana’s insurance marketplace. His office wants policies that attract more insurance companies and improve how claims move through the system.
He said lawmakers must balance two goals. Insurance companies must handle claims quickly. At the same time, Louisiana laws must treat policyholders fairly.
Temple noted that lawmakers filed dozens of insurance-related bills before the legislative deadline. His office now reviews those proposals to identify which ones could help consumers.
Debate Expected on Damage Caps
One issue likely to spark debate involves limits on general damages in lawsuits. These damages often cover pain and suffering, which courts cannot easily calculate.
Temple said lawmakers should hold the conversation, even if the proposal does not pass. Other states already cap those damages. Mississippi, for example, limits them to about $1 million.
Some Louisiana lawmakers previously proposed a $5 million cap to begin the discussion.
Temple said the goal is not to force a policy but to allow lawmakers and citizens to debate possible solutions.
Consumer Protection Bills Under Consideration
Temple also supports a bill that protects large medical settlements. The proposal would place future medical awards into a protected trust. That money would cover long-term medical care tied to the injury.
Another proposal would protect consumers who bundle home and auto insurance. The bill would prevent insurers from penalizing a homeowner’s policy because of an unrelated auto claim, or vice versa.
Temple Calls for Ongoing Action
Temple said Louisiana cannot pause reform efforts. He compared insurance reform to staying in shape.
“You don’t get in shape by going to the gym once,” Temple said. “You stay in shape by continuing to go.”
Temple noted that more than 30 insurers have already reduced rates, saving Louisiana drivers about $340 million. Still, he said Louisiana remains one of the most expensive states for auto insurance.
Temple also pointed to ongoing fraud cases involving staged truck crashes. He said fraud drives up insurance losses and ultimately raises premiums for every driver.
The legislative session begins Monday. Temple said his office will continue working with lawmakers to push reforms that lower costs for Louisiana families and businesses.