Senate approves liability limits for aerospace projects after adding safety carve-outs

Senators debated HB1098, a bill intended to align Louisiana with other states competing for large aerospace projects by limiting certain causes of action for aerospace flight entities. Supporters said the measure is necessary to secure major private investment; opponents warned the original language was too broad and could bar recovery for serious harm.

Amendments adopted on the floor removed an insertion of the word "negligence" from the immunity list, reclarified that immunity would not apply to FAA licensing or permits, and preserved a carve-out allowing suits for physical damage or personal injury caused by falling debris that exceeds the normal risks of aerospace activities. The sponsor described the bill as bringing Louisiana into parity with other states competing for aerospace projects while an amendment narrowed the entities eligible for protection by requiring a continuous land base above a specified acreage threshold.

Sen. Luno urged clarity to ensure victims could recover in catastrophic cases: "If a rocket were to be launched and it were to explode and fall on your property and destroy your home ... you should be able to recover for that." Supporters said the final language balances liability protections with public-safety exceptions. The bill passed on final passage by a recorded vote.