State Representative Gabe Firment is moving several bills through the Louisiana Legislature, focusing on insurance reform, public safety, and accountability.
One of his key proposals targets unpaid child support. The bill would require insurance companies to check for outstanding child support when issuing settlements. If money is owed, a portion of that settlement would go directly to support the child first. Firment said multiple agencies, including the Department of Children and Family Services and the insurance industry, worked together to shape the policy. He framed it as a simple fix that prioritizes children when financial windfalls occur.
Another major bill addresses a recent Louisiana Supreme Court ruling that affects insurance claims. The ruling allows the timeline to file a lawsuit to reset each time an insurance payment is made. Firment warned this could create long-term uncertainty, especially after hurricanes, when claims often involve multiple payments over time. His legislation would clarify that the filing deadline starts at the time of loss, not with each payment. He said this change is needed to stabilize the property insurance market and avoid rising costs.
Firment is also backing a bill to strengthen enforcement of marijuana restrictions in school zones. The proposal increases penalties for illegal use near schools, while leaving medical marijuana laws unchanged. He pointed to concerns from educators about exposure in areas like car rider lines.
In addition, Firment is addressing issues inside correctional facilities. One bill creates a new crime for inmates who expose themselves to correctional staff, with added penalties and sex offender registration requirements. Another measure responds to ongoing problems with contraband entering prisons.
As the session continues, Firment’s proposals highlight a push for tighter regulation, clearer laws, and stronger enforcement across multiple areas of concern.