DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 858 Original 2020 Regular Session Duplessis
Abstract: Provides for recovery of losses from insurers providing business interruption coverage
for businesses that suffered losses due to interruption as a result of the coronavirus disease
2019 pandemic.
Proposed law requires insurers that write policies which provide coverage for loss or damage to
property that also provide for coverage of loss of use and occupancy and business interruption that
are in force on the effective date of this Act, to construe such policies to include coverage of business
interruptions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Proposed law requires insurers to indemnify policyholders who have policies that provide coverage
under proposed law, subject to the extent of the policyholder's policy, for any loss business
interruption loss incurred during the public health emergency.
Proposed law applies to policies issued to insurers who have less than 100 full-time employees.
Proposed law provides that the provisions of proposed law will be given both prospective and
retroactive application, and will apply retroactively to March 11, 2020.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 22:1897)