The Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs meeting on May 21, 2025, focused on House Bill 90, which aims to regulate third-party restaurant reservation platforms in Louisiana. The bill prohibits these platforms from listing, selling, or advertising reservations for local restaurants unless they have a direct written agreement with the restaurant owner.

The discussion highlighted concerns about the practices of some reservation companies that utilize artificial intelligence to automatically grab reservations from restaurant websites without the owners' knowledge. These companies then resell the reservations at inflated prices, often charging customers significantly more than what they would pay directly to the restaurant. This practice has raised alarms among restaurant owners who feel their businesses are being exploited without their consent.

Supporters of the bill emphasized that it does not seek to eliminate the reservation model but rather to ensure transparency and fairness in the industry. They argue that any third-party service should have explicit permission from restaurant owners to operate on their behalf. This aligns with similar legislation enacted in other states aimed at protecting local businesses from unauthorized practices.

The meeting also addressed how the bill would affect consumers making reservations online. It was clarified that the intent is to prevent third-party platforms from monopolizing reservation slots without the restaurant's knowledge, ensuring that customers can access reservations directly through the restaurant if they choose.

In conclusion, House Bill 90 represents a significant step towards safeguarding the interests of Louisiana's restaurant owners and ensuring fair practices in the reservation industry. The bill's progress will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process.