KEY TAKEAWAYS: Louisiana’s expanded hands-free driving law bans holding mobile devices while driving, with stricter fines in school and construction zones. A shift to modified comparative fault limits damage recovery for plaintiffs more than 50% at fault. Homeowners can claim new tax deducti ons for storm-hardening improvements beginning in 2026. New laws tighten roofing contractor licensing, unemployment eligibility rules and insurance regulations.   The start of 2026 ushers a list of new laws that will bring issues ranging from highway safety to litigation and the state court system. The laws range to much stricter enforcement against distracted drivers to issues involving civil liability, construction licensing mandates and state tax policies. Perhaps the most far-reaching legislation will stem from the expansion of the hands-free driving law, which ended the grace period that included warnings and education on the importance of hands-free driving. The law, which took effect Jan. 1, bans drivers from holding a mobile device for texting or browsing while at the steering wheel. It only allows emergency calls and hand-free navigation systems. Fines will be more stringent in school zones and construction areas. Repeat violations can carry stiffer penalties. The law was passed to reduce distracted driving cashes. Home fortification Homeowners who further safeguard their property against severe weather will receive additional tax deductions starting in 2026. The improvements against structural integrity and stronger sustainability amid heavy winds are designed to reduce damage and lower the number of insurance claims. Civil liability The state has moved from a pure comparative fault system to modified comparative fault under a new law, which allows plaintiffs 50 percent or less at-fault to recover damages, reduced by their share of responsibility. A plaintiff who is found 51 percent or more at fault cannot recover damages under the new law. The law puts Louisiana line with other states which have the same legislation and could reduce insurance costs, supporters of the bill said. Roofing contractors Under a new law, all roofing projects over $7,500 will come with a mandate that contractors hold a residential roofing or construction license that designates roofing as a service. The law is designed to protect homeowners, particularly in post-storm issues when the number of fraudulent contractors increases. Unemployment insurance A revision to the state’s unemployment eligibility mandate requires that those who are unemployed actively seek at least five employment opportunities per week. It also requires documentation of the applications before they continue receiving unemployment benefits. Campaign finance The law requires live-streaming of all Louisiana Board of Ethics meetings, as well as those for the state Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance. The video streams must remain posted online at least two years. Ethics board meetings Live streaming and archiving of all public meetings for the Louisiana Ethics Board. Auto insurance ads Insurers are now barred from passing costs of advertising to consumers. Health insurance Coverage is now mandated for certain integrative cancer treatments, including acupuncture and cryotherapy. Tax deductions Taxpayers are now eligible to claim deductions for hardship accounts due to terminal illnesses. This article originally appeared on Plaquemine Post South: 2026 ushers in wide range of new laws across Louisiana Reporting by John Ory Dupont, Post South / Plaquemine Post South USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less