[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6235277,"mediaKeyId","3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13","parentId",3406392,"title","Committee advances bill to explicitly allow data centers in industrial areas and broaden cooperative agreements","audioSeconds",332,"startMs",106000,"endMs",438000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13&start=106&end=438","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13/thumbnail_106000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6235277/Louisiana/Committee-advances-bill-to-explicitly-allow-data-centers-in-industrial-areas-and-broaden-cooperative-agreements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235277-315d02185ed539d1797bd19db61068d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176155&Signature=ZBQ2bRqD7Sbilzte9qx01MjK7be6rStrHKAmCEm7ygNl1dja2tGTGpcM00rimDQ~oa4G-lABhBD4IeI7wcXv2rug5a6fV55kp52H5fq~3WkiA5eW3u1CQiNKKdKHC1tjxFHfzG2qLLLQ5DaDK75nTF2Az3FMpevbafRF9lczpLVOBFBtol8Bmq2-y06Vb-k5ILzguYU-hkj3jDNkKrUzIiRVRJDLGJ04As1--xXOkZ21S67NFhcPGF9mc-ZvgF3KKJVi9ifkG4mxGMT3aLnCLVAX-P3jBggcXTkbb4LRa25oG5Q8Xx9FqcYDCZVMBvk5iVwwLeNmNStlpIbBYa2Bow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","Senate Bill 79, presented to the House Committee on Commerce on May 19, 2025, would modernize the statutory definition of “industrial purpose” to explicitly include the construction and operation of data centers and expand which entities may enter cooperative endeavor agreements for services and facilities.

The change is intended to give local governments and industries more flexibility to secure services necessary to support modern industrial projects. Senator Bass told the committee the bill is “a department bill for LED” and that it “seeks to modernize the definition of industrial purpose and explicitly include, the construction and operation of the data centers.”

Why it matters: supporters said the amendment would help Louisiana compete for large technology investments. Susan Bourgeois, identified in the hearing as the head of Louisiana Economic Development, joined the presenter at the table and supported the bill. Senator Bass said the measure also “permits industries located within industrial areas to enter into such agreements, not only with the parish or municipality in which they are situated, but also with other municipalities, political subdivisions, or private entities.”

The bill requires cooperative endeavor agreements (CEAs) to include provisions that safeguard existing obligations of the parish, municipality, or political subdivision to current residents. It also requires that all industrial areas provide public road access to all plant entrances used by employees, contractors, or for delivery of materials and supplies; the proposal explicitly excludes access by rail or water transportation from that public-road requirement. Senator Bass described the expanded CEA partners as permissive: “It’s a may, not a shall,” giving localities and industries “more tools in our toolbox.”

Representative Saint Blanc moved to report the bill favorably; with no objection, the committee reported Senate Bill 79 favorable.

Discussion versus action: the committee’s vote to report the bill favorable was the formal action. Committee members asked clarifying questions about whether municipalities could contract for services such as fire protection if they could not provide them directly; Bass and Bourgeois replied the measure would allow such arrangements but would not require them. Concerns about local obligations were explicitly addressed by the bill’s language requiring CEAs to safeguard existing obligations.

The bill was presented as a tool to facilitate the siting of modern industrial facilities such as data centers across Louisiana while preserving resident protections and basic access requirements.

The committee did not take up additional amendments during the hearing.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Commerce May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 79 would add data centers to Louisiana’s statutory definition of industrial purpose and allow industries in industrial areas to enter cooperative endeavor agreements with other municipalities, political subdivisions or private entities; the House Commerce Committee reported the bill favorably on May 19, 2025.","taxTitle","Commerce, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Louisiana","taxId",20971,"location","Louisiana","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6235258,"Panel OKs bill letting Inspector General obtain bank records without 30‑day notice in certain investigations",235,1630000,1865000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13&start=1630&end=1865","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13/thumbnail_1630000.jpg","/articles/6235258/Louisiana/Panel-OKs-bill-letting-Inspector-General-obtain-bank-records-without-30day-notice-in-certain-investigations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235258-a0fefe44a98935a758579665745cc591/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176155&Signature=R9BEweIb~rRjKqT-MZvU-eZ899ilJBnf3MKh~BKsnjKahUUAd7B5T-UoHRoOBRlWNiLMXW0e-AHVUNPSzqHZH9OYPRENyOjRk6qhqiQFHkjQX6GbfiWKF~EtUNw2v4cOPvIRZ~prNZR3NpSGIf35~z2-ab2aBXXZ1f7ypLLxBOVKL96m~klYsQ9wzyJx4xGU1KZmd0ulCeoLoE0lmsXjRpUWe0OFy2sb5KL-OBhtE7Oz2pGf00zK3eZP-nEAgUqr5VuDIt2nkMntnXAPgQAGo9W3Z3pmqiSnBuaT0Yj-WNjUfYZHwbFbjuH6e84oltvc6yWlehtKJM59YT9JzP52vA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 92, presented May 19, 2025, would permit the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) to obtain bank records in investigations without providing the normal 30‑day certified notice to the account holder when a court orders an investigative subpoena.

Steven Street, identified as the State Inspector General, told the committee his office operates as a criminal investigative agency and frequently uses subpoenas for bank records in fraud and public‑corruption investigations. Under current practice, the office must serve a certified copy of a subpoena on the account holder 30 business days prior to the bank providing records, and Street said that notice can “allow them to engage in all sorts of other mischief like destroying records, tampering with witnesses and such.” Street said the office has often sought federal grand jury subpoenas as an alternative but that route can slow investigations.

Street said the measure would add OSIG to the list of agencies that can obtain bank records without prior notice when a judge authorizes the subpoena, allowing investigations to proceed covertly where disclosure would risk evidence tampering. He said the office had coordinated with district attorneys, sheriffs and bankers before bringing the proposal and that those stakeholders did not object to the change.

Action: a committee member moved to report Senate Bill 92 favorable; the committee reported the bill favorable without recorded objection.

Discussion versus action: the hearing focused on procedural safeguards—Street emphasized that the judge must authorize the investigative subpoena and that the change is intended to prevent evidence compromise, not to remove judicial oversight.

","Senate Bill 92 would add the Office of State Inspector General to agencies allowed to request bank records without serving the usual 30‑day certified notice to account holders when a judge approves a subpoena; the House Commerce Committee reported the bill favorable.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6235263,"Committee approves substitute to recognize electronic gold and silver transactions; bankers voice opposition",1863,1433000,3296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13&start=1433&end=3296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13/thumbnail_1433000.jpg","/articles/6235263/Louisiana/Committee-approves-substitute-to-recognize-electronic-gold-and-silver-transactions-bankers-voice-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235263-718fc6c360498ae685552fd159e743e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176155&Signature=WHNwOmvEbRXcbcdolub9-dPJuqtAiFCHE1zbEbcegB8HhSM~hvEDDuygZ7rXHqkPIwZW00sf-NLC43qigx5~C0wOKxJux~tUs5wnwPlnnJD4nbv0HS2b7S3wz4349IoUAYvxxRclowpeXTp0AuiDRi63K3NDvfefKnxzQXm-kYXlyrANML3O86mN6oCPbcRZiQy9eoEMnqV2Ypo48byNhbH7vG0EZ-Dgki7ZR5Xuefj83zDKjE0jWXK3sfBnHFVbQI-9djpmizsVPyFltmFUnNY4y2Bm2AkPEQrlrz7ya-E6zJS8SZ~9ug7kYFKl8INc78zeREwehxnsa81~VtzHyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Commerce Committee on May 19, 2025, voted to report a substitute for House Bill 386 that recognizes gold and silver as legal tender when used in electronic transactional form and clarifies that gold‑backed debit instruments may be used as legal tender.

Representative Jason Cruz (presenting HB 386) described the substitute as a narrower measure than earlier versions. Cruz said he “struck the whole paragraph and reworded” the bill to remove language that had raised concern with the Louisiana Bankers Association and to avoid state involvement in setting up a depository or a state office. Cruz summarized the substitute: “All this does really, you know, senator Abraham last year passed the law that said we recognize gold and silver as legal tender, and I just added in the electronic transaction of that gold.”

Opposition and regulatory concerns: Michelle Jalsa, chief examiner at the Office of Financial Institutions (OFI), testified that the office studied the bill and prepared projections for the fiscal office. OFI staff said their primary concern is whether a gold‑backed debit instrument would be considered a stored‑value or money‑transmission function; if it is, entities offering that service might need a license from OFI and the bill could trigger regulatory and fiscal implications. Jalsa told the committee the OFI “prepared projections and provided [them] to the fiscal office over the weekend.”

The Louisiana Bankers Association (LBA) filed opposition and said privately available gold‑backed debit products already exist; Joe Gendron of the LBA said the association’s objection stems in part from the bill’s evolving language and uncertainty about whether the law’s effect would expand beyond recognizing existing private‑market options. The LBA said tax policy is the more direct lever if the goal is to change how gold and silver are taxed.

Supporters said the change would give consumers another transactional option to hedge against inflation. Eb Hale, speaking as a private citizen and board member of a credit union, told the committee the proposal “moves forward in the direction to help gold and silver to be put in the hands of just ordinary citizens.” Representative Cruz said the bill is designed to be minimal and not involve the treasurer or a state depository.

Action: Representative Knox moved to report the substitute bill favorable. The committee recorded 7 yeas and 6 nays and the substitute was reported favorable. The committee recorded several questions from members about fiscal notes and the role of OFI; OFI staff confirmed they prepared a fiscal projection on an earlier version and were reviewing the substitute to determine whether stored‑value licensing would apply.

Discussion versus action: most questions focused on whether the state would be involved in custody or transmission of gold, how point‑of‑sale pricing would be determined, and whether the substitute would trigger OFI licensing requirements. Sponsor and witnesses repeated that the substitute removed state depository language and intended only to recognize electronic gold transactions.

","A substitute for House Bill 386 that recognizes gold and silver as legal tender in electronic form (gold-backed debit instruments) was adopted and reported favorable after debate; the Office of Financial Institutions and Louisiana Bankers Association raised licensing and policy concerns.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6235267,"Committee approves transfer of state construction code council and trims its membership",304,1103000,1407000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13&start=1103&end=1407","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13/thumbnail_1103000.jpg","/articles/6235267/Louisiana/Committee-approves-transfer-of-state-construction-code-council-and-trims-its-membership","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235267-f2446b22a0eed173ad594b0d009320ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176155&Signature=muGGp9-ZixIG5XfH2kDnMUHUusZPnonljuUJl9HkZlnOL8Y~bf0Rnb8szPFjW3kkMq9UPIjWuE632AADGN0zLbf8qWLnG-RewV9Con3MIrJe~s9TM2iuZxL7Se2g9UGRkbsknNvumaA-OlDp90c9vcFA7ySCIVyq68sQ7TV3yalk4D2~UIATYkGPpfTVKBN5kfMaX6YzeTsGQhNaGLg9Qw~7dWtMa~jSQfIUUCTnb8VDFFWnamaaMFnb86p6RsmApQDPUPmHFdY42J3QPETynZw3fGHuAfgd4e9wc9Nxt67iGiLFNaFxecc~Y9SkoroO9Pjo3LOnnioUN1k6YesUrw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 228, presented May 19, 2025, would transfer the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council (LSUCCC) from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to the State Licensing Board for Contractors and change the council’s composition and membership count.

Senator Abraham told the committee the LSUCCC’s primary functions are to set building codes and monitor inspections, and the bill “moves that office from the fire marshal to the contractor's office.” He summarized a negotiated new membership that reduces seats from 20 (or 19 in some prior versions) to 17, listing representatives from the fire marshal’s office or designee; two building code enforcement officers; licensed trades and design professionals (electrician/plumber experience, mechanical engineer, structural engineer, two architects including one Associated General Contractors member), representatives of the Louisiana Home Builders Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, Building Officials Association of Louisiana, Louisiana Building Code Alliance, licensed residential and commercial contractors, an insurance‑industry professional, and two at‑large members.

The sponsor and committee members discussed funding for the council after the transfer: proponents noted the LSUCCC historically had no independent funding and operated under the State Fire Marshal’s budget. The sponsor said the intent is to “acquire a funding source hopefully throughout the next year” and to treat council members similarly to other board members regarding reasonable reimbursement for mileage and expenses. Committee members asked whether per diem or mileage reimbursement language had changed; the sponsor said funding and reimbursement were under consideration as part of the transition.

Action: Representative Cox moved to report Senate Bill 228 favorable; after discussion the committee reported the bill favorable.

Discussion versus action: the hearing included substantive negotiation about membership composition and funding sources; the formal decision was to report the bill favorable.

","Senate Bill 228 would move the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to the State Licensing Board for Contractors, reduce membership from 20 to 17 and redraw board composition; the House Commerce Committee reported the bill favorable.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6235273,"Panel advances sweeping rewrite of contractor licensing; creates residential roofing and solar contractor classes",572,516000,1088000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13&start=516&end=1088","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3406392-9ea386d7814fe915fdf4d8968e0d7c13/thumbnail_516000.jpg","/articles/6235273/Louisiana/Panel-advances-sweeping-rewrite-of-contractor-licensing-creates-residential-roofing-and-solar-contractor-classes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6235273-9c2e804ea5c00d4d7d80847a6d3c207e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176155&Signature=ir~1WX13jqtdzj6Uz~cWjDOat8SQsZncsJt1iJsOhDEKZo4uAj4Ca2cS0DHFqqj~OlGkjF5zDlC93~PETfcRmckLYxMvnXboRLklHw4mtmzG8o51zNxdvjQf2ZgL9JY5y8WBozf5~8aDpSaCVNYuxRGcirF2q58s5rZcTs~khVDQs-CKbZG61k-mGITrToMU4H4PLPeO9JrUuTTdSidAQXCk1Ojgp6JUTUjfYRxlDQgTUInwaMH2ePgLbM8yiKDRjVwJXIlSIchSfS6m1NNQ~g4~j~7oGhJr5hzDEogZunRm1P18c~ej7ZbLc7y2V7BerOXPW1yOE9XGE0ufxaR6pQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 122, a 45‑page rewrite of Louisiana contractor licensing law presented May 19, 2025, would add residential roofing and solar‑energy contractor classifications, expand scope and cost thresholds for licensure, require verified business names and updated financials for renewals, and impose stricter record‑keeping and penalty provisions.

Senator Abraham told the House Commerce Committee the bill “rewrites some of the Louisiana contracting licensing law” and “adds new licenses for residential roofing contractor and solar energy equipment contractor.” He also said the bill “institutes mandatory record keeping for 5 years” and expands penalties, including fines up to 10% of project value and license suspension for improper advertising or contract misrepresentation.

Key provisions and intent: a new residential roofing classification is intended to address complaints the licensing board has received about untested home‑improvement contractors performing roofing work. Brandon (identified in the hearing as a representative involved in board matters) explained residential roofing “can be performed by a residential builder or a home improvement contractor” today, but said the change would create a standalone residential roofing classification so that those who put roofs on homes have testing or demonstrated competency. Repo Meng (identified as speaking for the licensing board) said the solar contractor definition was moved into statute “for clarity” to ensure it covers both large solar farms and residential or small‑commercial solar work.

The bill also would require contractors to register every license classification under a verified business name, submit updated financial statements at renewal (the original bill required CPA‑signed statements; the amendment removes the CPA signature requirement but retains financial disclosure), and maintain five years of records. Senator Abraham said modular home projects would require $50,000 or greater to fall under the new provisions. The bill’s effective date is January 1, 2026.

Support and testimony: Brad Hassard of the state licensing board participated at the table; several industry groups filed cards in support, including the Louisiana Home Builders Association (Michelle Shirley), Louisiana Manufactured Housing Association (Steve Duke), Louisiana Roofing Contractors Association (Darren Beauvoir; Ray Mills; Tony Granite), Guillot Roofing and Construction (Josh Guillot), and the Department of Insurance (Beryl Peacock, Chief Deputy Commissioner — listed as in support on blue cards). Senator Abraham said stakeholders worked “for a long time trying to make sure everyone's happy.”

Action: Representative Domingue moved to report Senate Bill 122 with amendments; the committee adopted a set of technical amendments offered earlier (amendment set 3009 was adopted) and then reported the bill favorable with amendments.

Discussion versus action: committee members asked detailed questions about the scope of the solar classification (covering farms and residential installations) and the new residential roofing license; witnesses and board representatives clarified that the statutory changes move definitions into law for clarity and introduce testing/qualification for roofing work. The committee approved technical amendments and reported the bill favorable with those amendments.

","Senate Bill 122 would rewrite Louisiana’s contracting licensing law, add residential roofing and solar contractor classifications, tighten financial disclosure and record-keeping requirements, and raise penalties; the House Commerce Committee reported the bill favorable with technical amendments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee advances bill to explicitly allow data centers in industrial areas and broaden cooperative agreements

Panel OKs bill letting Inspector General obtain bank records without 30‑day notice in certain investigations

Committee approves substitute to recognize electronic gold and silver transactions; bankers voice opposition

Committee approves transfer of state construction code council and trims its membership

Panel advances sweeping rewrite of contractor licensing; creates residential roofing and solar contractor classes