Requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study and make recommendations to the legislature on including digital products in the application of the Louisiana Products Liability Act.
Summary
Senate Resolution 163 urges and requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to study whether the Louisiana Products Liability Act should be expanded to cover digital products, and if so, which digital products should be included. The resolution does not itself change substantive law; instead, it directs the Law Institute to examine the issue and report recommendations to the legislature by February 1, 2026.
The resolution frames digital products as analogous to traditional products for purposes of consumer protection and product safety. It cites Louisiana’s existing products liability framework, the state’s recent recognition and taxation of digital products, and federal Section 230 case law as reasons to clarify the duties of digital product designers and manufacturers.
Impact
SR163 has no immediate effect on Louisiana statutes or liability rules because it is a study resolution rather than a bill amending the Louisiana Products Liability Act. Its practical impact is to initiate a formal review by the Louisiana State Law Institute of whether digital goods, software, apps, online services, or other digital offerings should be brought within the Act’s scope, which could influence future legislation affecting manufacturers, developers, sellers, and consumers.
Sentiment
The resolution appears generally supportive and precautionary, with the stated goal of protecting Louisiana citizens and ensuring digital products are treated like other products for safety purposes. The available record shows no committee debate or recorded votes, so there is no evidence of organized opposition in the materials provided. The tone of the resolution suggests interest in modernizing product liability law rather than immediate regulatory expansion.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is whether digital products should be treated like physical products under the Louisiana Products Liability Act, and if so, how far that coverage should extend. Possible concerns include the scope of covered digital products, the effect on software and platform companies, and how Louisiana law would interact with federal Section 230 protections and existing case law. Supporters emphasize consumer safety and parity with traditional products, while critics might worry about overbroad liability or uncertainty for digital businesses.