Transcript Highlights:

• Of the seven bank accounts DCB has, there's only one remaining without Of the seven bank accounts DCB
• With the new shared service plan in place, Minot State will be keeping the DCB bank recs reconciled going
• within NDUS data and Job Service data.
• , recording and registration services, educational services, and any...
• Recording and registration services, educational services, and any other governmental services or functions

Committee: Joint Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• The port has room for retail development, including service industries such as banks, post offices, drug
• The port has room for retail development, including service industries such as banks, post offices, drug
• The local banks.
• Now, you do have river frontage on—Jefferson is bifurcated by the river, West Bank and East Bank.
• Now, you do have river frontage on, Jefferson is bifurcated by the river, West Bank and East Bank.

Summary: The committee first heard and favorably reported House Bill 1175, which updates aeronautics-related definitions to make Louisiana more attractive to the aviation industry. It then approved House Bill 655, giving DOTD clearer authority to contract for operation and maintenance of state ferry systems on a cost-plus basis, with testimony focused on flexibility for the Cameron Ferry and other state-run ferries. House Bill 1037, which reorganizes certain DOTD operations by shifting duties to a chief operating officer and extending work on a unified permitting platform, was also reported favorably, as was House Bill 1174, which recreates the Department of Transportation and Development on a revised cycle. House Bill 714 was voluntarily deferred. The committee next took up several port-related measures. House Bill 871, which would have added two St. Tammany appointees to the Port of New Orleans board, was voluntarily deferred after the author said the timing was premature given ongoing work on the LIT project and regional trade zone issues. House Bill 345, expanding the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure at ports, was reported favorably. House Bill 713, which would cap the Caddo-Bossier Port executive director’s compensation at the statewide average of the top ten port directors, drew extensive testimony for and against; supporters argued the salary was excessive and the port needed accountability, while opponents said ports are different from one another, the local appointing authorities already oversee the board, and the bill could hurt recruitment. The committee voted 12-1 to involuntarily defer HB 713. House Bill 667, which would change the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission from appointed to elected members, also drew strong opposition over cost, voter confusion, and loss of local appointing authority, and it too was involuntarily deferred by a 12-1 vote. The committee then favorably reported House Bill 743, creating the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish, after testimony that the airport should be managed as a dedicated economic development asset. House Bill 836, which would reconfirm members of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority East, was amended to move the reconfirmation date from August 1, 2026, to December 1, 2026, to avoid disrupting hurricane-season operations, and was reported favorably by substitute. Finally, House Bill 730, concerning the use of ADS-B aircraft tracking data, was discussed with an amendment limiting the bill’s application to smaller aircraft; the measure was presented as a privacy and safety bill to prevent assessors or others from using ADS-B data to impose fees or taxes on aircraft owners.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> child welfare services in the country. child welfare services in the country.
• </c> same services as perhaps another county. same services as perhaps another county.
• Most people who are receiving public services are happy to receive those public services.
• Most people who are receiving public services are happy to receive those public services.
• </c> opened um with our bank opened um with our bank partner.<00:58:50.799><c> Okay.

Bills: HF2135 , HF776 , HF1581 , HF1158 , HF2226

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of the bills: An act establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, an employee of the
• Third reading of the bill: An act establishing a sick leave bank for Kendra Winner, an employee of the
• Third reading of the bill: An act relative to non-civil service public safety personnel in the town of
• Third reading of the bill: An act establishing a sick leave bank for Carlos Borges, an employee of the
• Third reading of the bill: An act establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, an employee of the

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and received a message from the Governor submitting fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriation requests, which were referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The House also adopted a resolution congratulating Sergeant Michael Campanelli on his retirement from the Franklin Police Department after suspending the rules. Members then took up several bills on second and third reading, including measures on surveillance pricing in grocery stores, real estate appraiser record retention, eliminating the residency requirement for fortune tellers, taxes due upon the death of active duty personnel and the elderly, and a local bill for Palmer liquor licenses. The House also considered and advanced local and personnel-related bills, including a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro, a charter amendment for Sandwich, a sick leave bank for Kendra Winner, additional wine and malt beverage licenses for Lexington, non-civil service public safety personnel in Wellesley, and a sick leave bank for Carlos Borges. The House passed to be enacted House No. 4004, validating the results of a special election in Harwich, and enacted Senate No. 2580 establishing a sick leave bank for Robert Tiro. For Senate No. 2580, the House first adopted the emergency preamble by a recorded division vote of 3 in favor and none opposed, then passed the bill to be enacted. The House then adopted an order to adjourn until Thursday at 11 a.m., and adjourned accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alvarado, Bateman, Banke, Braun, Chapman, Christian, Cleveland, Conway, Cortez, Dinger, Dozier, yes.
• Banke. Braun. Chapman.
• Banke. Braun. Bateman. Banke. Braun. Chapman. Christian. Cleveland. Conway. Cortez. Dhingra.
• Banke. Brom. Chapman. Christian. Cleveland. Conway. Cortes. Cortes. Dingra. Dozier.
• It means customer service from those that are involved in campaigns following the money.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, colors, pledge, and a prayer by Sikh youth leader Gertit Singh Cocher, followed by recognition of guests from the Sikh Coalition and Kalsa Germath Center. The chamber approved the journal and then adopted Senate Resolution 8678 honoring the Chimicum High School Marching Band for being selected as Washington’s representative in the 2026 National Independence Day Parade in Washington, D.C.; senators praised the band’s dedication and rural-school achievement, and the band was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then confirmed two gubernatorial appointments by 49-0 votes: Ryan Moran as Director of the Health Care Authority and Dennis Worsham as Secretary of the Department of Health. Supporters highlighted Moran’s Medicaid and health system background and Worsham’s long public health career, including local health leadership and work on HIV/AIDS and community health. The chamber also advanced and passed Senate Bill 6011, expanding court bailiff authority to conduct threat assessments for the Court of Appeals, and Senate Bill 5831, creating safe harbors related to mortgage modification recording requirements. Several bills were debated and passed after amendment votes. Senate Bill 6188, concerning Labor and Industries’ asbestos training and certification rules, saw an amendment to align with federal standards rejected and then passed 38-19. Substitute Senate Bill 5917, dealing with access to abortion medications through the Department of Corrections pharmacy, had multiple proposed amendments rejected before passing 32-17 after extensive debate over access, labeling, distribution limits, and emergency status. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 6024 on developmental disability services confidentiality, then passed the bill 48-0-1 excused; passed Substitute Senate Bill 6091 on residential property marketing and fair housing by 49-0; and passed Substitute Senate Bill 5840 adjusting campaign finance expenditure reporting deadlines by 46-3. The body then recessed for caucus and lunch.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll go to the bank, and I'll borrow $1,000 to give to this person. That's what we are doing.
• We should not continue to be the world's piggy bank.
• Cutting off funding for religious charities and services that Americans rely on every day.
• We don't like these regulatory actions over banks and payday lenders and people like Elon Musk.
• with Deutsche Bank, and that there were Russians, oligarchs, who also banked with Deutsche Bank, that

Committee: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Keywords: fiscal responsibility, government waste, foreign aid, funding resolution, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed government spending and foreign aid, with a particular emphasis on perceived wasteful expenditures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a funding resolution for the committee, which received unanimous support from the members present. The chair noted a quorum at the beginning of the meeting, signaling that the committee was ready to conduct its business. Discussions highlighted ongoing debates concerning fiscal responsibility and the necessity of legislative oversight, notably regarding foreign aid allocations and their implications for domestic fiscal health.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Public Service, to whom was referred the petition accompanied by House Bill 423 of Kevin
• Moran for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for James Caruso, an employee of the Massachusetts
• Moran for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for James Caruso, an employee of the Massachusetts
• Transportation, reports recommending that the accompanying bill, an act establishing a sick leave bank
• An act establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso, an employee of the Massachusetts Department of

Summary: The House received a gubernatorial message requesting certain fiscal year 2026 appropriations before final action on the general appropriation bill, and referred it to the Committee on Ways and Means. It also adopted several congratulatory and honorary resolutions, including recognitions for retiring members and public servants, and later welcomed a number of guests and honorees to the chamber. The main legislative business was House Bill 423, establishing a sick leave bank for James Caruso of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. After the Public Service Committee reported the bill ought to pass, the House suspended the rules, gave it a second reading, and ordered it to a third reading. Later, the House also took up House No. 1590, a sick leave bank bill for Eric Inakwick of the Trial Court, adopted an amendment adding an emergency preamble, and passed it to be engrossed as amended. A major action of the day was adoption of the conference committee report on the joint rules for the 2025-2026 legislative session. Members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing reforms intended to improve transparency, public access, committee notice, live streaming, posting of votes and summaries online, and more efficient handling of legislation. The report was adopted by roll call, 147-2. The House also approved an order transferring matters from the Joint Committee on Agriculture to the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, and from Elder Affairs to Aging and Independence. The House briefly questioned quorum several times, then recessed and later adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in informal session. The chamber also recognized the retirement of Chief Court Officer Gene DePersio, with remarks entered into the record.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Transportation and Shared Services made a career service payment in error, had several
• Cash receipts journals were not properly maintained and were not reconciled to total deposits per bank
• Cash receipts journals were not properly maintained and were not reconciled to total deposits per bank
• account for all accounts. not reconciled to total deposits per bank account for all accounts.
• We secured the services of UHY, with offices all over the country, based out of Columbia, Maryland.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Summary: The Legislative Joint Auditing Committee met to approve prior minutes and receive reports from several subcommittees and audits. The executive committee reported that audit and special reports were scheduled for presentation, one requested report remained outstanding, and staff had reviewed circuit-court caseload assignments in Benton County’s 19th West Judicial District. The committee also heard that Arkansas legislative audit financial statements and audits for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 received clean opinions with no internal-control findings, and that the report was accepted. The counties and municipalities report covered delinquent private water and sewer audits, with many entities reinstated after filing required reports, and reviewed current and deferred reports; several reports were referred to prosecutors, the attorney general, or the Government Bonding Board. The education audit report covered 57 school district audits, with three districts—Camden Fairview, Forest City, and Eudora—deferred until the June meeting because of findings and referrals. A substitute motion amended the report to file the Nettleton School District report, and the amended report passed. The state agencies report noted findings at the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Transportation and Shared Services, including duplicate payments, collateral issues, record-keeping problems, and missing vehicle logs; the committee filed five reports. The committee then reviewed the City of Pine Bluff’s 2024 financial audit. The city received clean opinions overall, but the management letter identified serious issues in the mayor’s office, Parks and Recreation, and Finance, including unaccounted-for receipts, altered invoices, unallowable and questionable purchases, missing equipment, and weak cash-receipting and reconciliation procedures. City officials, including the mayor and department heads, testified that the problems largely involved prior activity, said they had terminated involved employees, referred matters to law enforcement, and described corrective steps such as a forensic audit, new procurement and accounting procedures, electronic receipting and payments, and software upgrades. After questions from members, the committee voted to file the Pine Bluff report and adjourned, with the next meeting set for June 4-5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Department of Transportation and Shared Services made a career service payment in error, had several
• Cash receipts journals were not properly maintained and were not reconciled to total deposits per bank
• Cash receipts journals were not properly maintained and were not reconciled to total deposits per bank
• account for all accounts. not reconciled to total deposits per bank account for all accounts.
• We secured the services of UHY, with offices all over the country, based out of Columbia, Maryland.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING

Transcript Highlights:

• I think maybe the bank in New Hampshire.
• And I think the broader concern from the banking perspective is that banks are not always in the position
• </c> the the broader concern from the banking the the broader concern from the banking perspective<00
• Um, I'm going to go services. Okay.
• This fund shall be used to Services.

Committee: Senate Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those is in the event of a major financial crisis in a bank that holds those securities.
• that the brokerage did business with, and then a larger bank that financed that bank, and finally at
• that the brokerage did business with, and then a larger bank that finance that bank, and finally at
• The fire districts pay a service fee on every collection that's made.
• . ...lives as a result of their service.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let’s cap disability services. Let’s cut waiver services.
• </c> services. Let's cut waiver services. services. Let's cut waiver services.
• Instead, it allows banks and credit unions, if they choose, to offer custody and safekeeping services
• we're seeking to allow our local banks to engage in identical or similar services as some of those apps
• </c> bank or credit union for this service. bank or credit union for this service.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is if there are no credits within a bank service area, the local government has the opportunity to
• purchase credits from a different bank service area, but that is at a higher cost due to purchasing
• from a separate bank service area.
• Service area, but that is at a higher cost due to purchasing from a separate bank service area, so it
• Statewide, we have not run out of credits within certain bank service areas.

Committee: Senate Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:

• And the banks are being cautious.
• Morgan Bank right now and Wells Fargo are probably on the leading edge of this.
• My background is primarily in banking compliance and intellectual property.
• Many international banks.
• So you could be forced into this through your bank.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• If you're Arab and you live on the West Bank, you don't.
• Senator Banks. Aye. By proxy. Senator Husted. Yes. Senator Coonerty. Aye. By proxy.
• Senator Banks. No by proxy. Senator Houston. No by proxy. Senator Moody. No by proxy.
• Senator Banks no by proxy. Senator Husted no by proxy. Senator Moody no by proxy.
• Senator Banks? No by proxy. No by proxy. Senator Husted. No by proxy. Senator Moody.

Bills: SB163 , SB558

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Keywords: civil rights, higher education, discrimination, complaints, awareness campaign, antisemitism, education, Civil Rights Act, IHRA definition, federal enforcement, Jewish community, anti-discrimination laws, Anti-Semitism Awareness Act, Protecting Students on Campus Act, First Amendment, Senator Tim Scott, free speech, college campuses, legislation, Trump administration

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on reviewing two significant bills: S558, the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act of 2025, and S163, the Protecting Students on Campus Act. Senator Tim Scott introduced S558, emphasizing its importance in combatting anti-Jewish violence and harassment, and providing the Department of Education with necessary tools to investigate incidents of anti-Semitism on college campuses. The bill sparked a vigorous debate among members who expressed concerns over potential implications for free speech, particularly regarding its definitions of anti-Semitism, and whether it would infringe upon First Amendment rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it doesn't set anything new on any banks.
• It would be totally reasonable for a consumer to say, 'This looks like banking without any banking protections
• It would be totally reasonable for a consumer to say, this looks like banking without any banking protections
• Which is very different from banking. Right. Right.
• They have that insurance included in their service.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first considered House Bill 350, which would extend the grade levels at Ecole Pointe-au-Chien from fourth through eighth grade. The sponsor and several members emphasized the school’s importance to Terrebonne Parish, French immersion, and school choice. An amendment was adopted making the bill subject to appropriation, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Members then approved House Bill 749, which authorizes the Louisiana Tuition Trust Authority to contract with a program manager for certain savings programs, including ABLE, START, and START K-12, in response to a prior cyber incident and to improve security and customer service. An amendment simplified the bill’s effective-date language so provisions would take effect upon execution of the contract. The bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee also advanced House Bill 979 to increase the survivor benefit for law enforcement officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from $250,000 to $350,000. Testimony from the governor’s office said the increase could be covered within existing appropriations and that the amount was consistent with inflation since the benefit was last set. The bill was reported favorably. Later, House Bill 42 creating a phased retirement option for public post-secondary employees in the Teachers’ Retirement System was reported favorably, and House Bill 205 to allow local clerks of court to supplement election commissioner pay by up to $100 per election was also reported favorably after extensive testimony about staffing shortages and stagnant pay. The committee additionally reported favorably House Bill 12 extending survivor benefits to reserve officers killed in the line of duty, and House Bill 324 on judicial salaries, after amending it to remove future COLA provisions and leave only the permanent stipend increase.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> bank could set limits on on their ATM. bank could set limits on on their ATM.
• /c> and you link your bank the bank or the and you link your bank the bank or the the<01:23:44.159><c
• </c> my my bank I don't know yesterday. my my bank I don't know yesterday.
• </c><01:47:56.320><c> accounts,</c> have bank accounts, have bank accounts, &gt;&gt; correct?
• </c> salary out of um your public service. salary out of um your public service.

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Summary: The subcommittee focused primarily on a bill concerning long-term care insurance rate increases and consumer notice. Members and staff discussed replacing or supplementing a proposed public hearing requirement with annual reporting, website updates, and consumer-facing disclosures about approved rate increases, carriers writing the products, and how the products work. Several participants emphasized that long-term care policies are long-term products, that rate increases can be spread over many years for actuarial reasons, and that consumers need better information about trends and the impact of increases. A major point of disagreement was whether the bill should try to cap premium increases. One member argued the real problem is unexpected increases of 15% to 20% and urged a statutory cap to protect consumers. Insurance department representatives and others responded that hard caps had been struck down in prior case law, that the department’s core responsibility is solvency, and that carriers need sufficient premium to pay future claims. They also said the market is struggling because many carriers stopped selling the product, leaving in-force policies to bear the cost, and that overly restrictive caps could cause insurers to withdraw from the state. The discussion then shifted toward a compromise requiring carriers to notify policyholders before a rate increase is approved and allowing a 60-day comment period. Participants debated whether the notice should come from the carrier, how confidentiality rules would apply before approval, and what the department should do with public comments. The department said it already reviews filings carefully and that submitted rates are often adjusted before approval; lawmakers noted that prior commissioners had pushed back on increases in some cases, including a seven-year moratorium. No final vote was taken in the excerpt, and the chair repeatedly tried to move the subcommittee along to other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee
• Detailed internal controls will be required for this expanded service.
• Okay, so they don't come under any banking regulatory laws or things like that?
• Yeah, so as I mentioned, the tribe does, I'm sure, follow the federal regulations in terms of the Bank
• Secrecy Act. ...the federal regulations in terms of the Bank Secrecy Act, certainly that is something

Summary: The Senate Business, Financial Services and Trade Committee held a public hearing on a proposed tribal gaming compact amendment involving the Lummi Nation and the Washington State Gambling Commission. Tina Griffin, director of the Gambling Commission, explained the compact amendment process under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the role of the commission and legislative ex officio members, and noted that the proposal had reached tentative agreement and would next go to hearings before the commission and the House. She said the commission and tribe have a long-standing collaborative relationship. Lummi Nation Vice Chairman Terence Adams and other tribal representatives described the tribe’s gaming history and the purpose of the amendment. The proposal would add or update compact provisions for higher table and lottery limits, extension of credit to customers, electronic table games, and conforming definition changes. Tribal representatives said the changes would support tribal governmental services and economic development while maintaining strong regulation and internal controls. Commission staff said similar provisions have already been approved for other tribes and that the tribe would be responsible for setting responsible credit limits and controls, including customer vetting and self-exclusion checks. Senator Hasegawa asked about how credit would work and what oversight would apply, and staff said they would follow up with more detail. Senator Fortunato clarified that the request was for Lummi to receive provisions already available in other tribal compacts. Committee members also asked about the timing of public comment, and staff said it would be taken at the end of the hearing if any was signed up. No public comment was offered, and the chair closed the hearing without any vote or formal action taken by the committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Or is it going to be a loan from the bank, I guess?
• , IT, Job Service.
• Also in the report for the Bank of North Dakota, we often get questions regarding transfers of Bank of
• Going into Health and Human Services, just a couple of items here.
• Going into health and human services, just a couple of items here.

Summary: The Budget Section Leadership Division met with a quorum present and approved the March 18 minutes. The committee first heard an update from the Petroleum Council on oil and gas activity, which described North Dakota production as holding steady around 1.1 to 1.2 million barrels per day despite lower prices and market volatility. The presentation emphasized that efficiency gains, longer laterals, and improved completion technology are allowing operators to sustain output while activity shifts north in the Bakken. Members asked about gas taxation, natural gas liquids, flaring, and enhanced oil recovery; the witness said gas is taxed by volume, most liquids are handled through oil lines or gas processing, and the state’s EOR pilot projects and new gas infrastructure are intended to help hold production flat and expand future recovery. The committee then received a presentation from the Tax Department on the federal “big beautiful bill” and its effect on North Dakota income tax collections. The department explained that most of the federal changes were extensions of existing Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, but several items — including the larger standard deduction, senior deduction, tip and overtime exclusions, auto loan interest deduction, and business expensing changes — affect state collections. Revised estimates showed a smaller-than-expected impact on individual income tax, with the department suggesting a net cash effect in the range of roughly $30 million to $35 million when business and individual effects are combined, plus a possible one-time distortion from large oil-field transactions in fiscal year 2025. Members asked which provisions apply to standard versus itemized returns, and the department clarified that most of the individual provisions apply broadly, while the SALT-related item is itemizer-specific. OMB then reported on major capital projects and facility funding. Updates included Capitol grounds improvements such as 18th-floor renovations, wayfinding, augmented reality displays for the Rough Rider Hall of Fame, tree management and lighting studies, and restroom and parking reconfiguration in the tower. OMB also described security upgrades at the governor’s residence, where human remains were discovered on site and are being handled with historical and legal review. The state hospital project in Jamestown remains on schedule for substantial completion in winter 2027 and opening in spring 2028, with costs currently estimated a little over $292 million and a line of credit expected to be drawn in April 2027. The North Central State Office Building in Minot is under construction, with a $5.6 million line of credit already accessed. OMB also reported on the State Facility Maintenance Fund, noting about $1.1 million spent so far on projects such as the Liberty Memorial Building roof and foundation work, Capitol window replacement, boiler replacement, and kitchen remodeling. Finally, Legislative Council staff reviewed the interim compliance report on legislative intent and state trust funds. The report highlighted the status of multiple lines of credit, including those for the state hospital and Minot office building, and noted that the executive budget will likely need to include repayment planning for about $350 million of expected outstanding balances. Other updates included the Bank of North Dakota profit transfer schedule, litigation pool spending, the new Office of Guardianship and Conservatorship, the Missouri River Correctional Center planning effort, HHS items such as FMAP and child care assistance, Job Service’s unemployment insurance modernization project, and DPI school aid turnback estimates. No formal votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative McMakin, can you please clarify for me what you mean in your amendment by “foreign bank
• Is this a bank located outside of the country or outside of the state of Louisiana?
• And these solicitations often pressure individuals into purchasing a product or service that they may
• Their name, or, right, I need to know that their name and the service they provide and their contact
• I need to know that their name and the service they provide and their contact information is correct.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 11, 2026, opened with roll call and adoption of prior minutes, interim amendments, and the committee rules for the new session. Members then took up several bills, with technical amendments adopted on multiple measures before final committee action. The committee also deferred House Bill 267 because the author was absent. House Bill 853 by Representative McMakin, dealing with misleading solicitations by non-government entities, drew the most discussion. The committee adopted technical amendments and a concept amendment tying enforcement to the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, with members and Secretary of State Nancy Landry discussing the meaning of “may” versus “shall,” the scope of “foreign” entities, and whether the bill covered mail, email, and other digital solicitations. The Secretary of State’s office supported the bill as a consumer-protection measure against deceptive government-like mailings, and the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. House Bill 618, also by Representative McMakin, would adjust Louisiana Economic Development fees and related cost provisions. Secretary of LED gave a detailed presentation on the department’s recent restructuring, investment totals, job creation, small-business support, and the Source Louisiana platform, while members questioned fee impacts, hardship waivers, competitive effects, and how LED tracks incentives and job data. After adopting technical amendments and an amendment removing biannual inflationary adjustments, the committee reported the bill favorably with amendments. House Bill 207 by Representative Henry, revising the Louisiana Auctioneer’s Licensing Board’s membership, domicile, and related provisions, was amended to keep consumer members and clarify venue in East Baton Rouge Parish before being reported favorably. House Bill 300 by Representative Riser, raising the appraisal threshold for certain state bank residential loans from $250,000 to $400,000, was reported favorably after discussion of federal alignment and appraisal safeguards. House Bill 464 by Representative Riser, requiring more centralized reporting of damaged utilities through 811 and related notifications, received support from utility and 811 representatives and was also reported favorably. The committee adjourned after adopting a motion to do so.