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 790 Original 2022 Regular Session Hollis
Abstract: Prohibits any document supporting an application for a certificate of ownership or
salvage title to be signed and notarized by the owner.
Present law provides the requirements for an application for certificates of title, including salvage
title.
Present law specifies when, as the result of an insurance settlement, a motor vehicle is declared to
be a "total loss", as defined in present law, the insurance company, its authorized agent, or the
vehicle owner shall, within 30 days from the settlement of the property damages claim, send the
certificate of title, properly endorsed, to the office of motor vehicles along with an application for
a salvage title in the name of the insurance company, or its authorized agent, or the vehicle owner.
Proposed law retains present law and prohibits any document, including an original or certified copy
of a power of attorney, supporting an application for a certificate of ownership or certificate of
salvage title by an insurer or an agent of an insurer to require the signature or electronic signature
of the owner who has received or is to receive a total loss settlement to be notarized.
Present law provides the requirements for when an insurance company or its authorized agent may
submit an application for a salvage title and signed under penalty of perjury.
Proposed law retains present law and provides the requirements for alternatives when any lien has
not been released within seven days of satisfaction. Further provides the requirements for proof of
payment should an insurance company or its authorized agent submit a copy of a letter of guarantee
from a current holder of a security interest resulting from the lien not being released within seven
days of satisfaction.
(Amends R.S. 32:707(I)(1)(a) and (b)(iv))