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HR 196

INSURANCE/PROPERTY: Establishes a special study committee to assess the impact of fallen trees on residential properties and property values and to make recommendations

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chuck Owen

Creates a nine-member unfunded House study committee to assess how fallen trees affect homes, property values, daily life, and the property insurance market, seeking voluntary risk

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 196

Summary of Bill HR 196 (2026 Session, Louisiana)

Title

INSURANCE/PROPERTY: Establishes a special study committee to assess the impact of fallen trees on residential properties and property values and to make recommendations

Primary purpose

Create a nine-member, unfunded special study committee within the Louisiana House of Representatives to examine and make recommendations on how fallen trees affect residential properties, property values, daily life disruption, and the property insurance market and industry in Louisiana. The goal is to identify voluntary, practical risk-management strategies and potential incentive programs rather than to mandate changes to insurance rates or regulatory requirements.

Key provisions and changes

  • Committee establishment and scope

    • Establishes the “Fallen Tree-Related Impacts on Citizens, Property Values, and Insurance” special study committee.
    • Mandate: Study the effects of fallen trees on homes, property values, disruption of daily life, the property insurance market, and the insurance industry in Louisiana.
    • Task: Develop recommendations stemming from the study.

  • Committee composition and appointment

    • Nine members of the Louisiana House of Representatives.
    • Members appointed by the Speaker of the House.
    • Consideration given to geographic diversity, with emphasis on areas heavily affected by tree-related storm damage.

  • Stakeholder input

    • The committee shall solicit input from a broad set of stakeholders, including:
    • Home construction/building industry
    • Property insurance industry
    • Insurance agents
    • Homeowners’ associations
    • Arborists and tree care professionals
    • Local government officials
    • Emergency management authorities
    • Other interested parties as appropriate

  • Operations and funding

    • The committee is explicitly designated as unfunded.
    • Members serve without additional compensation beyond standard compensation provided by law.

  • Meetings and locations

    • The committee will meet in multiple locations around the state.
    • Priority given to locations where fallen-tree damage has significantly impacted the construction market, property values, daily life, and the insurance market.

  • Intent regarding insurance regulation

    • The bill clarifies that the committee is not intended to dictate or enforce changes to insurance rates or impose regulatory obligations on insurers.
    • Focus is on exploring and recommending voluntary incentives and programs for homeowners, rather than mandating industry-wide rate or regulatory changes.

  • Reporting timeline

    • The committee must submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to:
    • The House Committee on Insurance
    • The Speaker of the House
    • Deadline: No later than 60 days prior to the convening of the 2027 Regular Session of the Legislature.

Who is affected

  • Louisiana House members (nine chosen by the Speaker) and, indirectly, residents of Louisiana affected by fallen trees.
  • Stakeholders in the home-building/construction, property insurance, and tree-care sectors.
  • Homeowners and communities that experience tree-related damage and disruption.
  • Local governments and emergency management authorities involved in storm response and planning.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and scope: House Resolution establishes the committee and its mandate.
  • Appointment: Nine House members appointed by the Speaker; geographic diversity emphasized.
  • Deliberations: Public solicitation of input from multiple stakeholders; hearings to gather testimony across various regions.
  • Reporting deadline: Final written report due 60 days before the 2027 Regular Session convenes.
  • Financial: Unfunded; no additional compensation beyond ordinary statutory allowances.

Bottom line

HR 196 creates a temporary, non-budgeted House study committee to assess how fallen trees affect Louisiana homes, property values, residents' daily lives, and the property insurance landscape, with a focus on identifying voluntary risk-reduction measures and incentive programs. The committee will gather broad stakeholder input, hold meetings across the state, and report its findings before the 2027 legislative session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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