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A bill giving Louisiana’s insurance commissioner expanded power to reject rate hikes is heading to the governor’s desk, The Center Square writes.
House Bill 148, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Wiley, R-Maurepas, removes the legal distinction between competitive and noncompetitive insurance markets—allowing the commissioner to deem rates “excessive” regardless of market conditions. The bill also redefines what qualifies as excessive, factoring in administrative costs and adding retroactive authority that could force refunds.
Supporters say the bill increases consumer transparency by requiring insurers to disclose prior policy premiums upon renewal. But critics, including Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple and the Insurance Council of Louisiana, contend the measure introduces regulatory uncertainty and could drive insurers out of the state. Temple called the proposal “subjective,” warning it could undo recent progress in stabilizing Louisiana’s fragile insurance market.
The bill’s provisions were added through a late-session amendment—which could raise procedural concerns—after similar proposals failed earlier this year.
