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Legislative Update - May 16, 2023

Louisiana REALTORS • May 16, 2023

Louisiana REALTORS is sad to inform members that Jim Harris passed away on Monday, May 8th after a hard-fought battle with ALS. Jim was a founding member of Harris, Deville & Associates, the firm that has represented Louisiana REALTORS® at the state Capitol for over 30 years.


Jim’s legacy includes advocating for the passage of many Louisiana real estate laws that are the envy of your colleagues in other states. In 2011 Jim supported Louisiana REALTORS® in the passage of a constitutional amendment that prohibits real estate transfer taxes from happening in this state.  While the 2023 Legislative Session marks the first time in over 30 years that Louisiana REALTORS® has been without Jim’s commanding presence, his legacy of hard work, integrity and tenacity lives on in those who had the honor of working with and learning from him.


If Jim were here, he would likely tell us an appropriate Winston Churchill quote, (Jim’s most respected leader) about mourning and loss and then growl that we have to keep at it and press forward, because there is still work to do.


This is exactly what Harris, Deville & Associates and your Louisiana REALTORS® Advocacy Team is doing – keeping at it on your and your clients’ behalf until the clock strikes 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 8th and the 2023 Legislative Session finally adjourns sine die, just as Jim would expect. We will miss Jim dearly, but know that he has taught us well and that he is watching all of us carry on the wonderful attributes and skills he instilled in all of us! 


We have lost a giant, a mentor and a father figure, but know we are all better for having had the opportunity to have known Jim for so long!

 

Legislative Bill Tracker

  • Property Insurance

    Good news – the Louisiana Legislature is making headway on improving laws to protect consumers and move the needle somewhat on property insurance reform. Bad news - no one should expect property insurers to flock back to Louisiana and rates to go down overnight.


    Bills moving through the process include those that would require endorsements and discounts for Fortified Roofs, prohibit assignment of insurance benefits, and improve Louisiana’s insurance regulatory market.


  • Property Management

    House Bill No. 180, Representative Matthew Willard

    This bill would have required housing providers to disclose their criminal history screening or admission criteria in as much detail as is feasible prior to accepting an application fee from a prospective tenant.  


    Position:  Oppose

    Status:  Heard by the House Commerce Committee; voluntarily deferred


    House Bill No. 660, Representative Edmond Jordan


    Position:  Oppose

    Status:  Set to be heard by the House on Thursday, May 18th


    As amended in the House Commerce Committee, HB No. 606 would do the following:


    (1) Allow a residential rental tenant to terminate their lease if there are police reports for at least two violent crimes or drug offenses occurring on the property of a multi-family residence where the tenant resides or on an adjacent property if the rental property resided in by the tenant is a single-family residence. 


    (2) Prohibit a lessor from reporting the termination of a lease under proposed law to a credit bureau, but allow the lessor to pursue legal action to be paid the amount owed for the remaining term of the lease.


    (3) Require owners or managers of all residential rental properties (single or multi-family) provide certain security measures including security cameras capable of obtaining clear footage of all property not located within the confines of building or structure of the residence and lighting of significant strength so security cameras can obtain clear footage of those areas.


    (4) Require all owners or property managers of any rental property disclose to any prospective tenant the resources where data regarding criminal incidents occurring within close proximity to the rental property may be obtained.


    While the bill has a noble intent, the unintended consequences and upheaval it would cause in the statewide residential rental market would result in crippling instability for lessees and lessors alike.  Members are encouraged to contact their state representative to ask them to oppose the bill.


    Find who represents you in the state House of Representatives here.

  • Sale of Property to Foreign Adversaries

    There are three bills going through the process that prohibit the sale or purchase of certain types of property by foreign adversaries.  Louisiana REALTORS® is currently monitoring these bills, but this position may change as more information regarding the potential unintended consequences this type of legislation may cause the real estate profession and market.

Consumer Guide Update: Preparing for Homeownership

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 19, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on preparing for homeownership. This guide covers what prospective buyers should consider as they kick off the home purchase process, including the importance of credit scores, mortgage pre-approval, down payments, budgeting, and educational resources. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Preparing for Homeownership Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with potential clients to ensure they have the information they need to be successful in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover property taxes.

Consumer Guide Update: Escrow and Earnest Money

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 14, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on escrow. This guide covers what homebuyers should know about earnest money deposits, including the general terms and use cases in real estate transactions. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Escrow and Earnest Money Pricing Your Home Preparing to Sell Your Home Fire Damage and Policy Coverage Flood Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover preparing prospective buyers for homeownership.

2026 LR Officer Elections, RVPs & NAR Director Applications

By Louisiana REALTORS® • February 12, 2025
The Louisiana REALTORS® Board of Directors will conduct several elections this Spring. Interested candidates that meet the qualification who are looking to serve at either the state association level or the national association level are encouraged to view the criteria and submit an application. An application that is not submitted on the appropriate form or not submitted pursuant to the instructions shall not be considered as submitted timely.
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