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Bill

HCR 117

INSURANCE: Requests the Louisiana State Law Institute to establish a Homeowner Protection and Efficiency (HOPE) Committee

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dana Henry

Establish a HOPE Committee to study and propose reforms for improving fairness, transparency, and efficiency in Citizens homeowners’ claims after catastrophes.

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 · HCR 117

Purpose and intent

  • HCR 117 is a concurrent resolution that urges the Louisiana State Law Institute to establish a Homeowner Protection and Efficiency (HOPE) Committee or advisory group.
  • The goal of the HOPE Committee is to study methods to improve the efficiency, transparency, and fairness of the residential property insurance claims process involving the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) after catastrophic losses.
  • The Committee would report its findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation or procedural reforms to the Legislature by February 1, 2027.

Key provisions and changes the bill would make

  • Establishment of HOPE Committee: A specialized body to examine and propose reforms related to homeowners’ residential property insurance claims, specifically in relation to Citizens after catastrophic events.
  • Scope of study topics (non-exhaustive):
    • Statutory, administrative, judicial, or procedural reforms to improve the claims process while preserving policyholders’ and litigants’ rights.
    • Case management procedures in state and federal courts following catastrophic events.
    • Claims handling practices after catastrophic losses.
    • Early dispute resolution and alternatives to prolonged litigation.
    • Methods to encourage prompt investigation and timely payment of valid claims.
    • Transparency and consistency in adjustment and loss valuation.
    • Ways to reduce unnecessary litigation costs and delays.
    • Impact of claims-related litigation and adjustment practices on Citizens’ financial sustainability and homeowner premiums.
  • Stakeholder involvement: The Institute would invite participation from relevant groups, including Citizens, the Department of Insurance, homeowners, consumer advocates, insurers, producers, public adjusters, plaintiff and defense bars, and professionals with construction, loss assessment, underwriting, or judicial administration expertise.
  • Public engagement: The Committee may solicit public input and hold meetings, hearings, or stakeholder discussions as needed.
  • Reporting requirements: A written report with findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation or reforms, must be submitted to the House and Senate committees on insurance, the Speaker of the House, and the President of the Senate by February 1, 2027. Written recommendations would also be submitted to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library.

Who or what would be affected

  • Primary focus: Citizens Property Insurance Corporation and the residential property insurance claims process following catastrophic events.
  • Affected stakeholders would include homeowners, insurers (private market and Citizens), regulators (Department of Insurance), public adjusters, legal practitioners, construction and appraisal professionals, consumer advocates, and litigants involved in property insurance disputes.
  • The Louisiana State Law Institute would coordinate the HOPE Committee and oversight of the study.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Formation: The Louisiana State Law Institute is requested to establish the HOPE Committee or an advisory group.
  • Study duration: The Committee would conduct its study and prepare a report no later than February 1, 2027.
  • Reporting: The final report would be transmitted to relevant legislative committees, the Speaker, and the President of the Senate, with copies to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library.
  • Authorization and governance: The resolution requests participation from a broad range of stakeholders and allows for public input, but does not create new statutory requirements or funding obligations beyond the Institute’s ability to convene and operate the committee.

Potential impact (summary)

  • Potential improvements in timely resolution and fairness of homeowners’ insurance claims with Citizens after catastrophes.
  • Possible reduction in litigation costs and delays through enhanced dispute resolution and clearer claims handling practices.
  • Increased transparency and consistency in loss adjustment and valuation, which could influence premiums and Citizens’ financial sustainability.
  • Provision for stakeholder input and a formal legislative report to guide future policy or legislative changes.

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

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