Tort reform legislation that supporters say will lower auto insurance rates is expected to be sent to the Governor Monday as the regular session comes to a close.
Governor Edwards is not in favor of the bill and UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says if it hits Edwards’ desk he expects it to be vetoed even though it passed by veto-proof majorities.
“At some point I think the governor is going to have to test his strength against this Republican majority in both houses and see if they truely are willing to override,” says Cross.
Cross says a veto override has not been completed in Louisiana since 1993.
Cross says if this bill is passed and vetoed the Governor will likely go to work trying to pick off a few votes in both chambers to avoid a veto override.
“He has got some important powers that he can disribute, he still has control over capital outlay, there are some perks that the governor can give out,” says Edwards.
Among other things, the legislation lowers the jury trial threshold to 5,000 dollars. The insurance lobby says this will result in fewer costly settlements, savings that can be passed on to drivers.
If Edwards does veto the legislation GOP lawmakers will have plenty of time in the upcoming special session to attempt an override. Cross says the additional time significantly improves their odds.
“Usually one of the things that aids a gubernatorial veto in Louisiana is by the time the governor gives the veto the Legislature is no longer in session,” says Cross.
The special session will begin Monday after the session ends.
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