Louisiana Parish to Require Liability Coverage for Hay Rides

The St. Martin Parish Council in Louisiana has approved a new ordinance intended to make parish hay rides safer for both participants and motorists.

The ordinance was modeled on a similar St. Landry Parish ordinance and requires trail ride organizers to buy $1 million in liability insurance for the event, have the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office provide security for the event and apply 60 days in advance to obtain a parish permit.

The Advocate reports that rides also must take place 30 minutes after sunrise and no later than 30 minutes before sunset.

Councilman Mike Huval said the action was initiated at the request of the sheriff’s office, which had video footage of “renegade” riders causing trouble for participants, motorists and land owners.

Information from: The Advocate