[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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],{"_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",6222486,"mediaKeyId","3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e","parentId",3593291,"title","Committee approves resolution urging local governments to use nuisance-abatement tools against illicit massage businesses","audioSeconds",83,"startMs",2041000,"endMs",2124000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e&start=2041&end=2124","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e/thumbnail_2041000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222486/Louisiana/Committee-approves-resolution-urging-local-governments-to-use-nuisance-abatement-tools-against-illicit-massage-businesses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222486-45346db8fa2d2cb6a1466285741a5956/orig.mp4?Expires=1770753523&Signature=jCrUyda2Si4RR9bf33NiZHbmbTwwApBS3fEddDuZQmflvhyfAT2rTLz~lDEyGfRelCF15sjCcnJlLqYXHzfbBR7zdrJTBw27H4JEvO~OpFQ3Qtn~f0fV3aptKZzW~b14opMxFW02O4s~9QIf6ctRc~MWYv3CQasG0g9LqxIwjiU4yMaNT4~uv9sNrPPURAyWi9krv-PKvjRqyEZ4mKPej5YqZNlJ5nQ2AofKYniO~jTe2OpvgEeCSoHL-tLmv6Pb--fVL02VATi24apLygi2MnAIQKfm6QIQYUSdIMhIFPz1NJUDLqII9SNl3ue-ZeuK4H55mu2vD7ppKNJBRXKfcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-05-29T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate Committee on Local Municipal reported SR 122 favorably after sponsors said local law-enforcement officials and district attorneys sought help shutting down illicit massage businesses that continued to operate despite losing licenses.

Senator Mizell introduced the resolution, saying law enforcement, district attorneys and police chiefs described frustration in closing businesses that operate illicitly after losing their licenses. Mizell said an older nuisance-abatement law proved effective in some cases by allowing local authorities to take actions such as turning off utilities to prevent operation; the resolution asks local governments, the municipal association and relevant state agencies to propose solutions and coordinate enforcement.

Supporters said the resolution is intended to clarify and promote local enforcement options; it would not itself change statutes but would request that the Louisiana Department of Health and other appropriate entities propose solutions. The committee had no questions and reported SR 122 favorably on motion; the sponsor said the resolution aims to get local governments and associations to share ordinance language and enforcement practices to address the problem.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Local and Municipal Affairs May 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","SR 122, presented by Senator Mizell, asks state agencies and local governments to coordinate and consider nuisance-abatement approaches to close illicit massage businesses that continue operating despite license revocation; the committee reported the resolution favorably.","taxTitle","2025 Legislature LA, Louisiana","taxId",78558,"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},6222491,"Committee advances bill clarifying Convention Center authority and tax status; 99-year leases included",90,2425000,2515000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e&start=2425&end=2515","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e/thumbnail_2425000.jpg","/articles/6222491/Louisiana/Committee-advances-bill-clarifying-Convention-Center-authority-and-tax-status-99-year-leases-included","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222491-3d8e78d956234dc7cfad2a1140a907f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770753523&Signature=gkca~ps6ZeugapIf6R~cXT7nJkAkGC6En9HFHgAUzTXFqJMpz4crYE9eu4fGjLGcoSp~o1c2T2pvHZaj-p0R8PUUAehwvyVqe5cO~Y41GvjMAxfThC-3s9Joug7CYfCFDgkOBbfr46HSqz0~U2-MSiiONT2NSgU2Hp0frfM6OImn7pCtKh2A80YcUm~e1QlMzPc3RDy0cYzaSNHRxWAqJI--O7d3xALatsDRcM0LOh~Kv80kE4U6YYBKXoAXrtbdrOTwBzs5XF79oNDs0qJtVFAQvS38vicZyEKSJYs3up4vxRBukEYxKV~tFC2iF4ekabLymF1s-0~0wVYTVirJYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Local Municipal reported HB 298 favorably after sponsors said the bill clarifies the authority’s property status, leasing powers and reporting deadlines.

Representative Knox presented the bill on behalf of the convention center. She said the legislation does not add pilot authority (that language was removed in earlier House amendments), reaffirms that property acquired by the authority is public property and exempt from ad valorem taxes, and aligns the authority’s ability to lease property for up to 99 years (up from 60) to match the authority powers in Orleans and Jefferson parishes.

The bill also removes an expiration date of July 1, 2029, allowing the authority to continue to levy and collect the hotel occupancy tax for bond indebtedness, and it clarifies completed expansion projects that remain listed in statute. Sponsors said the bill moves the reporting deadline to the city council to the second fiscal quarter to coincide with the completed audit.

Foley & Judell attorney Meredith Hathorn and Exhibition Hall Authority interim CEO Lead Caprato (identified in committee) were at the table to answer questions. Senator Miller moved to report HB 298 favorable; the chair reported the bill as favorably reported with no recorded objections.

","HB 298, affecting the Ernest N. Morrell New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority, was reported favorably after sponsors said the bill reaffirms the authority’s property as public, extends leasing authority to 99 years, removes an expiration date, and aligns reporting deadlines to the city audit schedule.",{"_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},6222497,"Committee adopts amendments to short-term rental fee transparency bill; bill reported as amended",140,1190000,1330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e&start=1190&end=1330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e/thumbnail_1190000.jpg","/articles/6222497/Louisiana/Committee-adopts-amendments-to-short-term-rental-fee-transparency-bill-bill-reported-as-amended","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222497-f6fa7cd6186640a106b6c99ba19edb95/orig.mp4?Expires=1770753523&Signature=VLBOMfNQGQjQlHNG5Uiz~K4kAuSG2EsnxiSvzEDqKNEuKsI3iuPXA0sT1YWELlqPYr1DFqg6MD8KgUeR1qp6wlWF6Kwa1ZqWXvCW94h3VhZqc1b0MdXWZ56uVVXxRefdAdImLfzae4r30qbHZTqpZuqLrY4Q~msltoTSj20irlDkKD5z-fZK7Dl5rTpuifNzDW5ycwMJOKcTDzERksPvSH8hHWzkozPOvAFAUDxYYMzbw7KR-hjjvSf5I~qXAfEHKTcgabHt7DOSXdIKOd-E2k6rsa5rehSdEp~JIYMnV9aGawXLmPK88dm2L3wHYSF8p3dwAZk6p~2APoDW-buc1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Local Municipal adopted amendments to HB 610, a local bill that would change how short-term-rental fees and taxes are presented to customers and clarify the local short-term rental tax structure.

Representative Hillforty presented the bill, which aims to require online short-term rental platforms to display broken-out fees in a manner similar to hotels rather than folding all charges into a single platform fee. Senator Miller offered an amendment (set 2369) that would bar platforms from charging a potential renter any fee if the rental is not in compliance with local ordinances. The committee adopted that amendment without objection.

Senator Bass offered an amendment (set 2429) to restore the tax rate that had been increased in the bill, returning it to its former level; sponsors said both amendments have an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026. Walt Leger, president and CEO of New Orleans & Company, told the committee he supported the bill’s transparency aims, saying he was “grateful for the representative bringing the bill, trying to increase transparency, and, in the reporting.”

A representative from the Louisiana Restaurant Association and an opponent who later indicated the amendments addressed concerns both had cards on the bill but did not request to speak. Senator Morris moved to report the short-term rental bill as amended; the chair reported it favorably with no recorded objections.

","Committee members adopted two amendments to HB 610 (short-term rental fee transparency), including a prohibition on charging guests fees for rentals not compliant with local ordinances and an amendment restoring a tax rate to its prior level; the bill was reported as amended.",{"_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},6222502,"Senate panel approves bill adding retired union representative to CATS board after amendments",47,3365000,3412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e&start=3365&end=3412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3593291-df44ac91e1bfdfaa809f27f8c83c0d3e/thumbnail_3365000.jpg","/articles/6222502/Louisiana/Senate-panel-approves-bill-adding-retired-union-representative-to-CATS-board-after-amendments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222502-730e219cc175f14057d1c3f67047ece8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770753523&Signature=WVN1diTzGGnhCIVCTd24vw2DRgHSGIUdwisKnImqfL8QswWQM6se1BOjmbzPZmdNpjgXXEonbYsNiHVPU5ii~ukU0TXoOt01jYsC9W5Yb61Pj6VIdZivPCEeu2FVjKh0eD26uEayQ4Aud2ovoKn~jspItpH70OrvLuY~LXIBn7QS1MojX~iONLXrxwqKaOCP81cRSadEKcNPFhXHArmaRtG18fmvIosEiHfiuS7uZHsjqyEY98fTlRTDUkM8RnPfsqUVSStXofxyap6WysgUGsQ0weQvFCMyxIOoaKsZy~fSgA~6fK9hAPcHO8MMOfJcFFggT-ZqtM8yHdiTsdQh7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on Local Municipal voted to report HB 179 favorably, after adopting two amendments that change the bill’s proposed transit-board appointment and limit that appointee’s participation in executive sessions.

The bill, presented by Representative Marcel, would add a nonvoting representative to the Capital Area Transit System board who would bring transit-worker perspective to board discussions. Committee amendments require that the representative be a retired union member and prohibit that representative from taking part in executive sessions concerning personnel or collective bargaining. Senator Fall moved the motion to report the bill as amended; seeing no objection, the committee approved it.

Why it matters: supporters said the change would put transit experience at the table without giving the union a voting seat; opponents raised concerns about creating a special-appointment slot and the potential for a slippery slope of affinity-based appointments. Rodney Braxton and Kevin Cunningham, representing Katz, said the agency remains concerned but accepted the compromise as less objectionable than the original proposal. Braxton said the compromise mirrored a practice in New Orleans where a retired union member serves in a similar role.

Committee debate and amendments: Senator Miller offered an amendment (set 2409) to bar the union representative from executive sessions on personnel or bargaining; Senator Fall later offered and the committee adopted amendment set 2436 to require the appointee be a retired union member rather than an active employee. Representative Marcel said the changes were negotiated with lobbyists and would leave the seat nonvoting.

Stakeholder positions and concerns: Katz representatives emphasized a broader concern: they oppose privileging an affinity group appointment because it bypasses the usual public-selection process, and warned of a “slippery slope” if other groups sought guaranteed seats. Kevin Cunningham said Katz’s objections remain but described the amended bill as “less objectionable.” Representative Marcel said she did not have notice of Katz’s earlier resolution when the bill passed the House and that she worked with Katz lobbyists to address their concerns.

Outcome and next steps: With the amendments adopted, Senator Fall moved to report HB 179 as amended and the committee advanced the bill to the floor. Supporters said they will continue discussions with Katz outside the committee to address remaining concerns.

","The Senate Committee on Local Municipal approved HB 179 as amended to add a nonvoting, retired union representative to the Capital Area Transit System board; amendments barred the member from executive sessions on personnel or collective bargaining and changed the appointee to a retired (not active) union member.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves resolution urging local governments to use nuisance-abatement tools against illicit massage businesses

Committee advances bill clarifying Convention Center authority and tax status; 99-year leases included

Committee adopts amendments to short-term rental fee transparency bill; bill reported as amended

Senate panel approves bill adding retired union representative to CATS board after amendments