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 703 Original 2022 Regular Session Gregory Miller
Abstract: Provides for the exclusive venue for disputes regarding contracts for repairs to residential
property entered into while the property was under a federally declared state of emergency
following a natural disaster, nullifies any contrary venue provisions, and permits rescission
of such contracts within 10 days of entering the contract.
Proposed law provides the exclusive venue for any proceeding involving a dispute over a contract
for repairs to residential property that was entered into while the property was under a federally
declared state of emergency following a natural disaster shall be the parish where the residence is
located. If the property is situated in more than one parish, the action may be brought in any parish
where the property is situated.
Proposed law further provides that any provision, clause, covenant, or agreement contained in,
collateral to, or affecting a contract or subcontract for repairs on residential property entered into
while the property was under a federally declared state of emergency following a natural disaster
which purports to require any proceeding involving a dispute over repairs to be brought in a forum
or jurisdiction other than the parish provided in proposed law is contrary to the public policy of this
state and is null, void, and unenforceable.
Proposed law provides that the owner of residential property who enters into a contract or
subcontract for repairs on residential property entered into while the property is under a state of
emergency may cancel the contract or subcontract within 10 days of entering into the contract or
subcontract.
Proposed law further provides that if a homeowner elects to cancel a contract or subcontract, he may
do so by hand-delivering notice thereof to the contractor or by mailing notice by U.S. mail to the
contractor at his last known address, or to his agent for service of process.
Proposed law provides that cancellation made pursuant to proposed law shall be without penalty and
all payments made by the homeowner before cancellation shall be refunded promptly.
(Adds R.S. 9:2784.1)