Tort reform supporters say they’ll use the special session to fix an unpopular aspect of a bill approved in the regular session that aimed to lower auto insurance rates. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the bill has some unfortunate wording that would allow people who suffered minor injuries, collect huge settlements.
“If you get in a car wreck and you have very minor injuries recovering a years worth of premiums is not going to be something that insurance companies can afford,” says Talbot.
have been a potential reason the legislation passed without a veto-proof majority. Talbot says even with that error the bill still had near two-thirds support in both chambers.
“Those are strong numbers on something that we have been trying to do this type of legislation to lower premiums ever since I have been there,” says Talbot.
Governor Edwards has said he has concerns with the legislation and Democrats have criticized the bill saying it would not lower premiums as supporters claim it would. Talbot is optimistic they can find a compromise with the Governor.
“Everybody kind of knows where their swim lanes are and everybody has learned a lot more about what each side wants and does not want,” says Talbot.
The Governor has yet to indicate if he will veto the legislation. If he does, the Legislature will have a chance to override.
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