Louisiana’s 2025 legislative session delivered several important victories for contractors, according to Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Pelican Chapter. While much of the organization’s work focused on defeating proposals that could increase costs or add regulations, lawmakers also approved reforms designed to modernize the construction industry.
ABC Pelican Director of Government Affairs Carson DeLaRue said the association primarily plays defense during legislative sessions by protecting merit shop contractors and opposing measures that could hinder competition.
Plumbing Board Reform Tops the List
One of the biggest victories came with the passage of House Bill 953, which eliminates Louisiana’s standalone State Plumbing Board.
Under the new law, plumbing licensing responsibilities will transfer to the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. Supporters say the change reduces unnecessary barriers to entering the plumbing profession while maintaining consumer protections.
DeLaRue said the previous system created additional hurdles for aspiring plumbers without providing effective enforcement. Consolidating licensing under one board should streamline oversight and help address Louisiana’s shortage of skilled plumbers.
ABC Defeats Additional Regulatory Proposals
ABC Pelican also helped defeat several bills that members believed would increase bureaucracy without improving consumer protection.
One proposal would have required contractors to include their Louisiana license number on all written communications, even for companies operating across multiple states. DeLaRue argued the requirement would create unnecessary administrative burdens without providing meaningful benefits.
The organization also opposed legislation that could have allowed greater political influence over subcontractor selection on large private construction projects.
ABC maintains that contracts should be awarded based on merit, allowing contractors to choose qualified subcontractors based on experience, performance, and price.
Legal Costs Remain a Growing Concern
Despite this year’s successes, DeLaRue said litigation remains one of the industry’s biggest challenges.
He pointed to a recent Louisiana case that resulted in a $411 million jury verdict, the largest single-plaintiff award in state history. While acknowledging the worker suffered severe injuries, DeLaRue said verdicts of that size significantly increase insurance costs for contractors and could make it more difficult to complete major industrial projects.
ABC Pelican expects tort reform and insurance costs to remain key priorities during future legislative sessions.