INSURANCE DEPARTMENT: Requires the inclusion of the license number of adjusters and appraisers in all written communications. (8/1/26)
Summary
SB 241 amends Louisiana insurance law to require certain licensed insurance professionals to identify themselves by license number in electronic communications with insureds. Specifically, the bill adds this requirement for claims adjusters, public adjusters, and appraisers, with an exception for text messages composed and sent as part of their business or employment. The measure is aimed at making it easier for consumers to verify that they are dealing with properly licensed individuals during the claims and appraisal process.
The bill creates new standards of conduct in three separate provisions of Title 22: one for claims adjusters, one for public adjusters, and one for appraisers. In each case, the professional must include a Louisiana license number in electronic communications to the insured. Because the bill is enacted as Act 372, it becomes part of the state’s insurance regulatory framework and applies to the conduct of these regulated insurance-related occupations going forward.
Impact
The bill adds new statutory duties to R.S. 22:1674.1, 1706, and 1807.16, expanding disclosure requirements for adjusters, public adjusters, and appraisers. It does not change licensing eligibility or enforcement structure directly, but it gives the Department of Insurance and affected consumers a clearer way to identify the licensed status of individuals communicating about claims and appraisals. The practical effect is to increase transparency in insurer-consumer communications and potentially aid compliance, oversight, and complaint resolution.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 35-0, the House 86-0, and the Senate concur vote 37-0, indicating unanimous approval in both chambers. With no committee transcript available and no recorded opposition in the voting history, the overall sentiment suggests consensus that the measure is a modest consumer-protection and transparency requirement.
Contention
No notable points of contention are reflected in the available record. The only substantive policy choice evident in the text is the scope of the disclosure requirement, including the carve-out for text messages sent as part of business or employment. Any potential concern would likely center on administrative burden for adjusters, public adjusters, and appraisers, but the unanimous votes suggest those concerns were either minimal or resolved without dispute.
Requests the Department of Insurance to study and report on the effect of certain legislative actions upon the condition and competitiveness of Louisiana's insurance market.