Creates the Task Force on Log Truck and Agriculture Vehicle Liability Insurance.
Impact
This resolution underscores the need to enhance insurance options for log trucks and agriculture vehicles, which would facilitate the preservation of logging companies and farming operations in rural areas. The Task Force is tasked with studying the existing limitations and developing recommendations to address them. This could potentially lead to legislative reforms that might alter how insurance companies provide coverage to these vital sectors, aiming to reduce insurance costs and improve the operational viability of these industries within Louisiana.
Summary
SCR3, known as the Task Force on Log Truck and Agriculture Vehicle Liability Insurance, aims to address the limitations regarding affordable automobile liability insurance specifically for log trucks and agricultural vehicles in Louisiana. This bill acknowledges the significant role of the timber and agriculture sectors in rural Louisiana's economy. The lack of affordable insurance is identified as a critical issue, leading to business closures and companies relocating to other states with more favorable insurance premiums. Specifically, the bill recognizes that higher insurance rates are detrimental to local logging companies, impacting the overall timber industry, which is essential for the region's economic stability.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding SCR3 is positive among proponents who perceive this initiative as a necessary step towards ensuring the sustainability of vital economic sectors within rural Louisiana. Supporters argue that by forming a dedicated task force, the state is taking proactive measures to evaluate and mitigate the insurance challenges faced by these industries. Nevertheless, while the bill seems to garner broad support, the ultimate effectiveness will depend on the task force's recommendations and subsequent legislative action.
Contention
There are concerns regarding the timeline and effectiveness of the task force's recommendations, particularly how quickly solutions can be implemented to address the pressing issues surrounding liability insurance. Critics may argue that without immediate action, the economic challenges facing logging and agricultural vehicles will continue to exacerbate, further diminishing the state's rural economic base. Therefore, while SCR3 seeks to create a framework for resolution, the execution and outcomes of the task force will be crucial in determining its success.
Requests that the Department of Insurance study and report on approaches taken by other southern states to reduce automobile insurance premiums, report statistics obtained by the insurance fraud investigation unit, and advise as to ways to increase the number of automobile insurers writing policies in the state and to report that information to the legislative Task Force on Available and Affordable Automobile Insurance.
Creates the Louisiana Buy Local Purchase Incentive Program to promote the consumption of Louisiana agricultural products by granting incentive payments to certain restaurant establishments for purchases of Louisiana agricultural products. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Commends Mayther "Ray" Young on his induction into the 2017 Louisiana Agricultural Hall of Distinction and recognizes his outstanding contributions to the agricultural community in Louisiana.
Urges and requests the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, in collaboration with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, to study the feasibility of promoting the growth, production, and use of organic produce in this state
Commends Charles "Buck" Vandersteen on his induction into the 2017 Louisiana Agricultural Hall of Distinction and recognizes his outstanding contributions to the agricultural community in Louisiana.
Commends posthumously James Graugnard Sr. on his induction into the 2017 Louisiana Agricultural Hall of Distinction and recognizes his outstanding contributions to the agricultural community in Louisiana.
Requests the Department of Education to establish a group to study the current state of agriculture education in elementary and secondary schools. (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)