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Louisiana Senate advances lead service-line funding, towing reforms and workers’ compensation data bill
Summary
The Senate on May 6 passed a package of bills including a workers’ compensation medical‑claims database (SB 408), a towing and storage reform for nonconsensual private‑property tows (SB 431), and clarified authority to use federal funds for lead service‑line replacement (SB 268) alongside a companion constitutional measure (SB 228).
The Louisiana State Senate convened May 6 and cleared a broad slate of legislation, approving measures aimed at workers’ compensation transparency, towing‑company responsibilities, and state authority to use federal funds for lead service‑line replacement.
Senator Myers, sponsor of Senate Bill 408, said the measure “modernizes Louisiana’s workers’ compensation medical reimbursement system by creating an all workers’ compensation medical claims database,” and said it will move the state toward electronic billing while keeping the current fee schedule in place until any new schedule is developed through rulemaking and reviewed by legislative labor committees. The chamber voted to pass SB 408 on final passage, recorded as 33 yeas and 0 nays.
Senators also approved revisions to towing and storage rules. Senator Foyle, sponsor of SB 431, said negotiated amendments limit the bill to nonconsensual private‑property tows and require a company that tows under those circumstances to make someone available on weekends to answer a call and provide access to a vehicle within 90 minutes; if no one is available, the company may not charge a storage fee for that day. The Senate adopted the amendments and passed SB 431, 37 ayes to 0 nays.
On drinking‑water policy, Senator Duplessis explained that SB 268 clarifies that municipal water systems may accept and spend available federal funds to replace lead service lines on the private side of the meter. The Senate passed SB 268 (28 yays, 8 nays) and then passed the companion constitutional joint resolution to authorize a public vote on a corresponding amendment (vote recorded 28 yays, 9 nays).
Other notable actions included moving House Bill 842 (the annual elections omnibus) and concurring in House amendments to SB 68, a constitutional amendment clarifying the Louisiana Supreme Court’s authority to discipline out‑of‑state attorneys providing legal services in Louisiana. Several pieces — including SB 500, a medical‑review‑panel bill addressing certificates of merit for malpractice cases — were amended on the floor and sent back to the calendar for further work.
Votes at a glance: SB 408 (workers’ compensation database) — passed final (33–0); SB 431 (towing/storage) — passed final (37–0); SB 268 (lead service lines) — passed final (28–8); companion joint resolution for SB 228 — passed final (28–9); HB 842 (elections omnibus) — passed final (28–9); concurrence on SB 68 — adopted (37–0).
What’s next: Several bills were ordered re‑engrossed or returned to committee for technical or stakeholder revisions; SB 500 was left on the calendar for additional negotiation. Measures that passed on final reading will proceed to enrollment or to the House as applicable, and the joint constitutional measure requires voter approval before taking effect.
