[{"_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",6226140,"mediaKeyId","3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f","parentId",3516029,"title","House Commerce panel approves bill letting Louisiana Economic Development create innovation fund and transact land for projects","audioSeconds",289,"startMs",177000,"endMs",466000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f&start=177&end=466","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f/thumbnail_177000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226140/Louisiana/House-Commerce-panel-approves-bill-letting-Louisiana-Economic-Development-create-innovation-fund-and-transact-land-for-projects","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226140-d26f5473e9384d336e072632ff3d404d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046233&Signature=WQDMng8u-JoYUoCHVlaEeTUt9rEDO8AVpmZAil5uv6RfQfZ2M3izhekh~TvoHKVJTlBrKhqS2-YHkbyBMQKyPJnq2-krw2LoCd8d-bi2liKaaWjCL9h4bUMsvpsbOrTYazUolkeIPNguhkFTDQczG9VgzET8bs~gsQXVm2lvKtBTBsqoMruli~nBzfYOc5ZCyezRFgg3rPBPcQ62T4IPaCwEZyFUhHjn8P0OV7WE6DaVyD7iIDERP7m2NWXEcywhtrnFiHBQ2bNkoTett~XOW30SnLR~O~z7px61lAxDIEZUuTpkW4clypdD7xeRZcLpJg7PzQitHS7INt5tr~TbAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-05-27T00:00:00Z","article","Senators and representatives on the House Committee on Commerce advanced Senate Bill 161 on May 27, approving language that creates a Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Innovation Fund and gives LED statutory authority to buy, sell, lease and sublease property for economic development projects.

The bill, presented by Senator Mizell and explained by Susan Bourgeois of Louisiana Economic Development, would “create — it does not fund but it does create — a Louisiana economic development innovation fund,” Bourgeois told the committee. She said the measure also would give LED the ability “to lease, sublease, purchase and sell land as it relates to economic development projects.”

Why it matters: committee members said the changes are intended to make LED “move at the speed of business” and to close gaps left by last year’s reorganization of the department. Supporters described the authority as a tool to prepare and hold sites for future projects and to capture economic benefit when private developers pay LED under a lease or sale arrangement.

Key provisions and oversight

- Innovation fund: The bill creates an LED Innovation Fund as a statutory entity but contains no appropriation language. Bourgeois said the fund exists to let LED seek federal and other sources to support innovation activities.

- Real-estate powers: The bill would give LED clear authority to acquire, hold, lease, sublease and convey property for economic development. Bourgeois described the Richland Parish mega site used for the META project as an example of why the authority is needed.

- Special-purpose entities and oversight: An adopted amendment authorizes LED, with Division of Administration approval, to create single-purpose entities that can complete transactions on LED’s behalf. The amendment requires commissioner-of-administration review for leases, subleases or sales tied to the provision and gives oversight to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget (JLCB) once a transaction has been initiated. Anne Villa, deputy secretary and CFO at LED, said the special-purpose entities help isolate transactions for accounting and legal clarity.

Board and staffing changes

The bill also removes two offices that were created statutorily — the Office of Entertainment Industry Development and the Office of International Commerce — folding their functions into LED operations rather than separate budget line items. The measure restructures appointments to the Louisiana Board of International Commerce (LeBIC) to emphasize regional representation and adds two seats representing the state’s airports; a committee amendment increased the governor-appointed membership to include two airport representatives.

What the committee did

The committee adopted a set of technical amendments, approved substantive amendments that add Division of Administration and JLCB oversight for property transactions, and adopted the airport‑representation amendment. Representative Newell offered the substantive amendment; Representative Hilferty moved the bill out of committee; the measure was reported with amendments by unanimous voice action \"seeing none.\"

Remaining questions and follow-up

Members pressed LED staff on how purchases would be paid for and on the procedural steps — appraisals, procurement and budgeting — that would precede acquisition. Bourgeois said LED’s purchase authority would be exercised within the appropriation limits the legislature provides and that larger transactions would require further budgetary approvals. Committee members also sought clarity about how nominations to the reconstituted LeBIC would be made; the bill prescribes regional and industry representation but does not prescribe which organizations must submit nominations to the governor.

The committee’s action sends the bill forward with the adopted amendments; it does not appropriate funding for the new innovation fund or change existing appropriation limits.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Commerce May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senators and representatives on the House Committee on Commerce advanced Senate Bill 161 on May 27, approving language that creates a Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Innovation Fund and gives LED statutory authority to buy, sell, lease and sublease property for economic development projects.","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},6226120,"Commerce committee sends measure to study possible merger of state motor vehicle commissions",611,6145000,6756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f&start=6145&end=6756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f/thumbnail_6145000.jpg","/articles/6226120/Louisiana/Commerce-committee-sends-measure-to-study-possible-merger-of-state-motor-vehicle-commissions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226120-d20845df2fd4ac026117d082b9936ae3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046233&Signature=PxONKOD6nRQwZ5h9v53YiFt5T9-Mg5T06KRTpPUfUmRnWGYmYSgM4eAWLQW~KyMug5-kXaZPbgwkGw-H3u1jx2kmXXj4IDHOEKjUMhpCBU8~RACWBD-HRHeGbsszPgcBfpwlW4~Axir4U8vAk9vavoYNjJOWdm-pDR5aW0G4RoFD4Z7ol~sgIFPyUQTYsMncCIzHEDMTU-fohAdNQdgbX7Wja1sh9~VDD3TblXigSD~XlJVHwLfwDSTgsOinxaSf4GTTbwUoSIEWQBD99gohZaWQuxX9AcsgxQocxzpkXo2Nx1yYSXwRonggp~F1m-XSZrqFe4-Eqn~2craiU3d4Kg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Commerce Committee on May 27 reported House Concurrent Resolution 69, a measure creating a task force to study a possible merger of the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission and the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission.

Representative Carver said the idea of a merger has been considered in past sessions but that differences in stakeholders, processes and technology warrant a study first. “We thought it would probably be more advantageous to bring all of these players together to lay out kind of a roadmap,” Carver told committee members.

Task force makeup and changes

Committee amendments remove the executive directors of each commission as voting members of the study group and instead add three governor‑appointed commissioners from each commission to the task force; the executives are instead identified as information sources for the study team.

Areas to study

The task force’s charge includes assessing administrative efficiencies, licensing overlaps, technology and data systems, consumer protections and the potential effect on dealers that operate both new and used car lines. Witnesses and members noted complexity: many dealerships sell both new and used vehicles, and several categories of vehicle (recreational vehicles, motorcycles, leasing firms) are already licensed under existing structures.

Outcome

With the committee amendment adopted, Representative Hebert moved HCR 69 out of committee; the measure was reported favorably. Supporters said the study will identify whether consolidation would yield measurable benefits and, if so, recommend statutory changes.","House Concurrent Resolution 69 establishes a task force to study the potential merger of the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission and the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission, seeking efficiencies and a roadmap before any statutory consolidation.",{"_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},6226127,"Committee backs task force to study fraud against older Louisianans, recommends reporting to commerce panels",194,5576000,5770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f&start=5576&end=5770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f/thumbnail_5576000.jpg","/articles/6226127/Louisiana/Committee-backs-task-force-to-study-fraud-against-older-Louisianans-recommends-reporting-to-commerce-panels","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226127-db88b0de194dd661e21928babc19c2fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046233&Signature=k2HAwoPOfH0IC1ImWJqdKzTT50t1H-Rpr3X6nz4mgDmVUsu-MhzhGuPOaZPpVNYVcIo10Gyf-VeUP7aYUZeC3LC1so04GyhLtylUFgOf18ISCE4~Cqk-I2DsQv0yIT8s4kFugpri9MfAfxHWu5Lz8wfu~of8na-sM5brtt3cFnfkpsNP97bz2o2sXLDSWkK1L-It~L~RqsHmUXATZmnhY6G3GSHeKp8zQ69tS6X0k6txuIQXW~Ff9U6sbCbaYOx806dt2QQ04TMGCjWB8p1U2VwwlRVj-PazTJl2O9xftjkLqIIelihMiivZpfbeU-5jELCKDKmVb~8vm5ZaqxmBYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Commerce Committee voted to report House Concurrent Resolution 53, establishing a task force to study fraud and identity theft affecting older Louisianans.

Representative Carver, sponsor of the resolution, said a constituent’s identity‑theft case and AARP outreach prompted the proposal. Latonya Scott of AARP told the committee older adults “often have life savings” and that recent AARP data show thousands of state residents lost substantial sums to scams. “I urge the committee to vote yes on HCR 53,” Scott said.

Purpose and scope

HCR 53 would bring together state and local officials, consumer advocates, law‑enforcement partners and other stakeholders to assess current practices, identify gaps in reporting and enforcement, and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen consumer protections and law‑enforcement response. The committee adopted an amendment to require the task force to report its findings to both the House Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee.

Committee action

With technical amendments adopted, Representative Newell moved the resolution out of committee; members expressed interest in ensuring that task‑force findings and practical prevention materials are distributed to community partners (for example, councils on aging) and accessible to the public.

Next steps

Sponsors said the task force will collect data and propose legislative reforms where needed; AARP and other partners pledged to help disseminate guidance and victim support resources.","House Concurrent Resolution 53 would create a task force to study fraud and identity theft targeting older residents and produce recommendations to the House and Senate Commerce Committees; AARP told the committee the state lost tens of millions to scams in recent months and urged action.",{"_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},6226130,"Commerce committee reports resolution to revive Louisiana–Ireland trade commission with added industry seats",101,3371000,3472000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f&start=3371&end=3472","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f/thumbnail_3371000.jpg","/articles/6226130/Louisiana/Commerce-committee-reports-resolution-to-revive-LouisianaIreland-trade-commission-with-added-industry-seats","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226130-859fd70b26529e0d858422b9eaaf634a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046233&Signature=PRDFosUJTZ9uXFHxedqD~agUuL8cOv4PfrDQgBTmUEiclGD1Y80RDYKYgzgnv4XUsGhii15rR3pzOwsny5tXz0KdAbz~02ep6gxpuUKBlEqah2g34e~0UIiZc8pzMh21as~6ndh4~Sk0r-IMYuxaD5y9FPtMvBTKeq8ggb0m~qseVRXhxqLRWMUOrIPZBErcVI9y7bAzAxtLHvexjHUv~Ei~8A8ixZVCf2FIFb1lBVtQ~xz8XcIhMzXxkUfg5sTjRGkT3Mro4amkMFAhLcyv0sba5xN9l47AjN10ahmDHJnJZ4fNGmh~AMQFOE8vM5Bqh-nw3ybd-pGJzLmfirLPqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Commerce Committee on May 27 reported Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 to reestablish the Louisiana–Ireland Trade Commission, a nonbinding measure supporters said helps connect Louisiana industries with Irish counterparts.

Senator Meisel, sponsor of the resolution, told the committee the measure restores a commission that was previously enacted and adds two seats this year to represent the restaurant industry and the oil and gas industry. “We are, really making headway in connecting industries in Louisiana with needs in Ireland and vice versa,” Meisel said, pointing to business and travel opportunities such as a potential direct flight to Dublin.

Committee action

The committee received public‑sector and private‑sector support; executives from regional economic and trade organizations were present and submitted green cards supporting the resolution. Representative Hilferty moved the resolution and the committee reported SCR 21 favorably by voice action.

What’s next

The resolution is primarily a diplomatic and business‑development tool; it does not carry an appropriation. Supporters said the legislative endorsement helps send Louisiana delegations and industry representatives to international summits and trade events in Ireland.","Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 would reestablish the Louisiana–Ireland Trade Commission; the committee heard that two industry seats — restaurant and oil & gas — were added this year and supporters said the body facilitates business connections and possible direct flight routes to Dublin.",{"_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},6226136,"Panel advances bill to expand inspections, background checks and penalties for illicit massage businesses",246,3179000,3425000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f&start=3179&end=3425","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3516029-c21599cac8fa6317113fe95b1162025f/thumbnail_3179000.jpg","/articles/6226136/Louisiana/Panel-advances-bill-to-expand-inspections-background-checks-and-penalties-for-illicit-massage-businesses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226136-8da7a1c5f972206f0b2f58f9129de90e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771046233&Signature=JDcLmvGRESrGUq~sTRTOgyErztciDvLRrYdnZpQv3SN4RPvvQyNKCPRXLtZJV5WGuelT46yLLkUd93yqOsJ8FY8d9YEzOOQW8KRXV7yxdQeY6HvDip~eRFNbj6oDyAy25NPBsfFYFaQCNKd134r2IM207FJxuTPRqbrSZOJrdCeU3x38piF1opR9C7~Tik~64aCskfjPc1FVxckaXwORmw6MrWGOLwFZe3VuxTGIY6nBzWvWpH1zJ8DEw2anqT4DwJTEe4d-kM-irDIw6rOjNnZLv1Q99uoreclr1j0NJYlOazDH20TwakNVQRy6nbyH2YiAy0s2N2wVIQd1lSAgLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Commerce Committee reported Senate Bill 221 on May 27 after lawmakers debated measures aimed at limiting illicit activity in businesses advertising as massage establishments.

Senator Mizell, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure was drafted after law enforcement raised concerns about facilities that operate as brothels or trafficking fronts. “The actions of the bill, it allows for unannounced inspections once a report is received by the Board of Massage Therapy,” the senator said, and added that the board must respond to such complaints within 10 days.

The bill’s main features

- Unannounced inspections: The bill authorizes the Board of Massage Therapy to conduct unannounced inspections when it receives a complaint alleging illicit sexual activity or other conduct inconsistent with a licensed massage establishment. The committee adopted language requiring the board to respond within a 10‑day window.

- Background checks and licensing limits: SB 221 would require criminal background checks during the application process for any party seeking to open an establishment and make clear that licensed premises may not be used as sleeping quarters.

- Location restrictions after substantiated illicit activity: As amended in the Senate, the bill prevents a new massage license from being issued at a site that has had verified reports of illicit massage activity; sponsors said the change aims to stop the pattern of repeatedly reopening the same address under a new business name.

Committee discussion and concerns

Members pressed for clarity on how long a premises would remain ineligible for a massage license and how the bill would avoid penalizing legitimate businesses or landlords who lease properly zoned space. Representative Newell and others suggested a time-limited prohibition (citing Jefferson Parish’s “one year and one day” local ordinance as an example) to avoid taking a property “out of commerce” indefinitely while still disrupting repeat bad actors.

Law enforcement coordination

Witnesses and committee members discussed gaps in current enforcement: deputies described locked doors, altered contact numbers and other tactics traffickers use to conceal activity. Several members urged the bill’s sponsors to pursue coordination mechanisms so the Board of Massage Therapy’s inspections and findings are quickly shared with local law enforcement and human‑trafficking task forces.

Outcome

The committee adopted technical amendments and reported SB 221 with amendments by unanimous voice action. Sponsors said they intend to track the board’s complaint data and return with further statutory changes if enforcement gaps remain.","Senate Bill 221 would allow unannounced inspections after complaints, require criminal-background checks for applicants who seek to open establishments, ban the use of licensed premises as sleeping quarters and direct reporting from the Board of Massage Therapy on complaint responses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House Commerce panel approves bill letting Louisiana Economic Development create innovation fund and transact land for projects

Commerce committee sends measure to study possible merger of state motor vehicle commissions

Committee backs task force to study fraud against older Louisianans, recommends reporting to commerce panels

Commerce committee reports resolution to revive Louisiana–Ireland trade commission with added industry seats

Panel advances bill to expand inspections, background checks and penalties for illicit massage businesses