RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 318 (HB 386) 2021 Regular Session Farnum
Existing law provides the authority and procedure for the appointment, duties, powers, and
compensation of a special master.
New law provides for the appointment of one or more special masters for all causes of action
related to first-party insurance property damage claims in a parish declared by the president
of the U.S. to be subject to a major disaster declaration and certified for individual assistance
under federal law.
New law provides for the appointment, duties, or compensation of the special master or
masters in any manner directed by the court. Provides that the court shall allow a party an
opportunity to file a motion to opt out of proceedings before the special master upon a
showing of good cause.
New law provides for the termination of a special master appointment.
New law provides for annual reporting on the number, rate of compensation, duties, and
assignments of special masters appointed in each jurisdiction.
New law provides that the appointment and disqualification of special masters shall comply
with the requirements of Fed. Civ. R. 53.
New law provides for the possibility of mandatory mediation with the goal of expedited
dispute resolution using qualified neutral mediators appointed and compensated in the
manner directed by the court.
New law provides for waiver of appointment orders and an ability to opt-out upon the request
of any party.
New law provides that no provision of law may be construed to impair the authority of a
court that appoints a special master. Provides that jurisdiction or venue shall not be
impaired.
Effective August 1, 2021.
(Adds R.S. 13:4165(F))