New Orleans ? The Louisiana Supreme Court on Friday upheld two new state laws giving policyholders more time to sue their insurers or file claims over damage from hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Louisiana attorney general’s office had asked the high court to review the laws after a state judge said they were constitutional. Although it is unusual for the party that wins a ruling to seek a review from a higher court, Atty. Gen. Charles Foti said he wanted the matter solidly settled.

The ruling means that homeowners, renters, condo owners, drivers with auto insurance and other nonfederal flood insurance policyholders have up to Sept. 1, 2007, to file lawsuits resulting from Katrina damages and up to Oct. 1, 2007, for Rita damages.