"It is destructive to Louisiana commerce and consumers by not limiting itself to vehicles that are dangerous to the public," he said. "While vehicles contaminated by salt water or biohazard materials should be disassembled and taken off the roads, HB 11 would result in the destruction of thousands of vehicles that could be salvaged."

The legislation states that any car that isn't an antique and whose "power train, computer, or electrical system" has been damaged by a declared disaster or emergency and is considered a "total loss" would have to be destroyed.

Mr. LaCost took issue with the fact that the bill does not allow the owner of a car to fix or keep their totaled vehicles. If a consumer has a car worth $2,000 with a $500 deductible, and the car suffers computer damage in the amount of $1,500, he noted, under the current law the insured could pay the deductible and the carrier could fix the car for the consumer. Under the new proposal, however, the consumer would simply be paid $500 for the vehicle.

"While car dealers and manufacturers will benefit, Louisiana consumers, insurers and rebuilders will suffer from the passage of this bill," said Mr. LaCost. "If this bill passes, Louisiana should expect higher insurance premiums, increased pricing for used vehicles, possible increased cost in new cars due to increased demand, and inability of poorer consumers to buy vehicles because of costs.