Louisiana 2022 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SR144

Introduced
5/23/22  
Introduced
5/23/22  
Refer
5/24/22  
Refer
5/24/22  
Report Pass
5/25/22  
Report Pass
5/25/22  
Passed
5/26/22  

Caption

Urges the Commissioner of Insurance to develop outreach initiatives to assist seniors and special needs individuals after a presidentially or gubernatorially declared disaster or emergency.

Impact

The proposal aligns with existing consumer protection measures established in Louisiana, which mandate that policyholders are treated fairly and without deception by their insurers. If implemented, these initiatives could lead to enhanced support for seniors and special needs individuals, particularly in the aftermath of significant disasters such as hurricanes. Educational programs could provide crucial information on the claims process, making it easier for affected individuals to understand their rights and the requirements to file claims effectively.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 144 urges the Commissioner of Insurance to develop outreach initiatives aimed at assisting seniors and individuals with special needs in understanding the property damage claims process following a presidentially or gubernatorially declared disaster. The resolution recognizes that these groups often struggle to navigate the complexities of the insurance claims process, especially during times of crisis when they may feel overwhelmed and vulnerable. By promoting clear communication and assistance, the resolution aims to ensure fair treatment for these individuals and protect their rights under Louisiana law.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SR144 is positive, as it addresses a critical need for increased support and understanding of insurance processes for vulnerable populations. Legislators and advocacy groups concerned with consumer rights likely view this resolution favorably, highlighting the importance of empowering seniors and those with special needs during challenging times. The initiative is seen as a step toward compassionately ensuring that these individuals are not taken advantage of by insurers during some of their most vulnerable moments.

Contention

While the resolution itself has garnered broad support, potential points of contention could arise surrounding the implementation of the outreach initiatives. Differences in opinion may exist regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of proposed educational programs. Stakeholders may debate how best to reach these populations and whether the initiatives can adequately address the variable needs of individuals after disasters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

LA SCR22

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Collaborate With Relevant Agencies To Develop Initiatives And Outreach Programs To Inform Kupuna About Emergency Preparedness.

LA HCR37

Requesting The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency To Collaborate With Relevant Agencies To Develop Initiatives And Outreach Programs To Inform Kupuna About Emergency Preparedness.

LA AB580

Disaster assistance grants. (FE)

LA H7005

OGSR/Disaster Recovery Assistance

LA A09206

Establishes the community disaster relief and recovery act which will create an emergency assistance program for undocumented individuals impacted by a natural disaster.

LA HB1719

In disaster emergency assistance, further providing for legislative purpose, for definitions and for construction, establishing the Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund, renaming the Public Disaster Assistance Grant Program and providing for definitions relating to Public Facilities Disaster Assistance Grant Program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; making interfund transfers; and making editorial changes.

LA HB1189

An Act to direct the Department of Emergency Management to assess the feasibility and impact of developing a program to prioritize the prevention and mitigation of damage, loss, hardship, or suffering due to the anticipated impacts of an imminent emergency necessitating a gubernatorial declaration of a state of preparedness or an emergency that does not warrant a gubernatorial declaration of a state of emergency; report.

LA HB316

Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair, and requires certain considerations in FEMA’s recommendations on presidential emergency/disaster declarations.The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims. Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources, expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities, extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.

LA AB777

Food assistance: disasters: utilities.

LA A09418

Establishes a special needs assisted living demonstration program to authorize up to three assisted living programs throughout the state to serve individuals with special needs, including, but not limited to, individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.