More discussion needed before Louisiana special session on insurance, governor says

Gov. John Bel Edwards said Wednesday more talks among state leaders are needed before any decision is made on a possible special session on property insurance.

"It may happen and it may not," Edwards said.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is pressing for a special session to get more insurance companies to Louisiana after multiple hurricanes caused several to flee or go out of business.

Officials also want to trim the number of residents who have been forced to get policies through the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-run insurer of last resort.

Edwards said Donelon's scheduled appearance on Friday at the Joint Legislative Comittee on the Budget will play a role in any final decision on a special session.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder, R-Gonzales, has voiced skepticism about the need for an extra session ahead of the regular session, which begins April 10.

"I suspect either the questions will or will not be answered to the satisfaction of the speaker and other leaders on Friday," Edwards said.

The governor said that, while questions remain on when lawmakers will tackle the issue, there is no doubt that property insurance problems demand attention.

"We know that we have a crisis," he said.

Donelon has said fast action is needed so that insurance firms can get reinsurance of their own well ahead of hurricane season.

Edwards said Donelon, a former House member, "has a little more work to do" to convince skeptics of the need for a special session.

Senate President Page Cortez, R-Lafayette, said last Satuday that a special session appeared likely.

"There is not unanamity among the leadership right now as to whether they believe a special session is required," Edwards said.

The governor made his comments a few hours after he met with House and Senate leaders.

State leaders want any special session to be finished well ahead of Mardi Gras, which is Feb. 21.

Edwards said one possibility is starting Jan. 30 at noon and lasting about one week.