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SB 67

LIABILITY: Provides for limits on recovery in tort claims of negligent infliction of emotional distress absent physical injury. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jay Morris

SB 67 restricts Louisiana tort recovery for emotional distress without physical injury, limiting plaintiff claims while reducing defendant liability exposure.

Prefiled and under the rules provisionally referred to the Committee on Judiciary A.
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Bill Summary · SB 67

Legislative bill overview

SB 67 would limit the ability to recover damages in Louisiana tort cases for negligent infliction of emotional distress (NIED) when no physical injury occurs. Currently, Louisiana law allows such claims under certain circumstances; this bill would restrict recovery by requiring a physical injury component to proceed with NIED litigation.

Why is this important

This bill would significantly narrow access to courts for people who suffer documented psychological harm from others' negligent behavior. The change affects how Louisiana handles a growing category of emotional harm claims, including those from workplace stress, medical negligence, or accidents causing trauma without physical contact.

Potential points of contention

  • Access to justice concerns: Mental health advocates and plaintiff attorneys argue this creates an arbitrary barrier, as psychological injuries can be severe and documented without physical harm (e.g., PTSD from witnessing danger).
  • Burden on healthcare system: Requiring physical injury to prove emotional distress may force unnecessary medical procedures or documentation just to establish a viable legal claim.
  • Business liability implications: Defense-oriented groups and insurers support restrictions to reduce frivolous claims, while critics worry this enables negligent actors to avoid accountability for foreseeable psychological harm.

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

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