Louisiana Senate Bill SR194

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/5/13
• Passed: 6/6/13

Caption

Urges and requests study of the need for legislation to provide for a method relative to residential immovable property for which the owner has executed a loan contract or agreement for energy efficiency improvement or renewable energy improvement.

Impact

The resolution seeks to address the balance between consumer protection and providing access to energy efficiency improvements. By investigating predatory lending practices in the energy financing market, the resolution aims to safeguard consumers from being exploited by lenders while ensuring that energy improvements remain accessible. The findings from this study could lead to proposed legislation designed to protect homeowners involved in energy efficiency financing, which would directly impact state regulations concerning housing and consumer finance.

Summary

Senate Resolution 194 urges the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs to study the conditions within Louisiana's energy efficiency and renewable energy improvement market. The resolution highlights increasing concerns over sales and leasing practices of solar panels and related energy improvements, which may lead to potential financial pitfalls for consumers such as foreclosures and loss of equity in their homes. It emphasizes the importance of protecting homeowners from predatory lending practices while also promoting affordable energy improvements.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around SR194 is one of concern regarding consumer protection in the emerging market for energy efficiency improvements. Legislators recognize the necessity to extend energy solutions to the populace but acknowledge the importance of doing so without compromising the financial security of homeowners. This ambivalence reflects a growing awareness of the need for robust regulation to prevent exploitation while promoting environmental and energy goals.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the potential for predatory lenders to target financially vulnerable homeowners. Legislators and stakeholders seem to be aligned in the view that while promoting renewable energy is crucial, it must not come at the cost of residential financial security. The challenge lies in developing legislation that effectively mitigates risks without stifling the growth of beneficial energy improvement initiatives.