Creates the Task Force on Available and Affordable Commercial Motor Vehicle Insurance.
Impact
The resolution acknowledges that the high cost of commercial motor vehicle insurance negatively affects the competitiveness of Louisiana's trucking industry, which is predominantly made up of small fleets. By forming this task force, the legislature seeks to identify and recommend methods to increase competition among insurance providers, potentially leading to lower costs. This effort is aimed at enhancing the economic stability of not just trucking companies, but also the state's economy at large by ensuring that goods are transported more affordably and efficiently.
Summary
SCR19, or Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 19, proposes the establishment of the Task Force on Available and Affordable Commercial Motor Vehicle Insurance in Louisiana. The task force is intended to address the pressing issue of high commercial motor vehicle insurance rates that have been identified as a significant impediment to the trucking industry in Louisiana. Given that the state ranks as one of the most expensive for such insurance, the bill aims to find solutions that would enhance the availability and affordability of commercial motor vehicle insurance. The task force would study current impediments, compare the state's situation with those of other states, and report back with recommendations for legislative amendments or actions.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SCR19 appears to be one of support across party lines, recognizing the critical nature of the issues faced by the trucking industry in Louisiana. Lawmakers understand that without addressing the unavailability and high costs of insurance, the state's economy could face detrimental effects, such as price increases for consumers and diminished market competitiveness. However, the overall deliberation on its effectiveness and the solutions proposed may have contrasting views among industry stakeholders.
Contention
Some notable areas of contention could stem from differing interests among the task force members regarding the recommended approaches to take in reforming commercial motor vehicle insurance in Louisiana. With representatives from various sectors, including insurance companies and trucking associations, the discussions may highlight conflicting priorities—balancing the need for affordability while ensuring that necessary safety regulations remain intact. The outcome of the task force's recommendations could lead to debates over legislative priorities and resource allocations in the future.
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.
Requests the Department of Insurance to study the issues of the availability and affordability of homeowners' insurance in coastal and intercoastal areas of the state
Urges and requests various state agencies to study the process and fees associated with commercial motor vehicle inspections required under federal provisions
Urges and requests the office of motor vehicles, the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and the Safety Management Council to work together regarding consistency of regulations enforced and followed by commercial motor vehicle companies within Louisiana
Requires commercial mobile service providers and telecommunications carriers to disclose call location information to law enforcement agencies during emergency situations (RE1 NO IMPACT SD EX See Note)
Urges and requests the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to pilot a regional approach for the delivery of commercial driver's license training and certification
Changes local sales and use tax exemptions for commercial fishermen and certain seafood processing facilities from optional to mandatory (EN DECREASE LF RV See Note)