The North Rapides Business & Industry Alliance (NRBIA) held its May 2025 meeting today at Louisiana Christian University (LCU), where attendees heard key legislative and economic updates affecting the region.

District 27 State Representative Mike Johnson delivered a mid-session report from the Louisiana Legislature, focusing heavily on efforts to address high auto insurance rates. Johnson outlined several bills intended to reduce insurer liability and restrict certain claims, with the goal of ultimately lowering costs for drivers across the state.

Among the legislation discussed was House Bill 431, which would prohibit drivers who are deemed at least 51% at fault in an accident from collecting damages—except in narrowly defined situations. HB434 would increase the penalties for uninsured motorists by raising the amount of bodily injury and property damage that cannot be recovered from $15,000 to $100,000. Johnson also touched on HB450 and HB436, which would create new procedural requirements and limitations for filing lawsuits against insurance providers.

In addition to legislative updates, David Lamont, Senior Vice President of SunGas Renewables, gave an update on the company’s planned development at the former International Paper (IP) site in Pineville. Lamont reported that the project’s development phase is nearing completion, with construction expected to begin no later than summer 2026.

The meeting was well-attended and described as highly informative by participants, highlighting both public policy developments and economic growth initiatives in the region.