This bill amends and reenacts several subsections of R.S. 30:1109, which pertains to the recovery of damages in carbon capture and storage operations in Louisiana. Notably, it removes the previous caps on compensatory damages for noneconomic loss, which were set at $250,000 per person, and $500,000 in cases of severe injury or wrongful death. The bill also eliminates a provision that would have set a maximum recoverable amount of $1 million per person if the previous caps were deemed unconstitutional. Additionally, it makes technical changes to clarify the liability of the state and the secretary regarding site restoration costs, ensuring that they are not responsible for payments beyond the established funds or trusts.

Furthermore, the bill repeals R.S. 30:1109(G) entirely, which may have contained provisions that are no longer deemed necessary. The amendments clarify the authority of the secretary and their agents to enter land for site assessment or restoration without incurring liability for damages, provided their actions are in good faith. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the legal framework surrounding carbon capture and storage, enhancing the liability landscape for operators while ensuring compliance with federal regulations related to environmental protection.

Statutes affected:
HB79 Original: 30:1109(B), 30:1109(G)
HB79 Engrossed: 30:1109(B), 30:1109(G)
HB79 Enrolled: 30:1109(B), 30:1109(G)
HB79 Act 614: 30:1109(B), 30:1109(G)