[{"_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",6210459,"mediaKeyId","3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb","parentId",3718976,"title","Senate committee unanimously reports Louisiana Genomic Security Act amid national-security concerns","audioSeconds",107,"startMs",3745000,"endMs",3852000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb&start=3745&end=3852","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb/thumbnail_3745000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6210459/Louisiana/Senate-committee-unanimously-reports-Louisiana-Genomic-Security-Act-amid-national-security-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210459-3b682b76b4d22df6f7334d33b59b1361/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149175&Signature=go900DTeaoXMP2GA-HGiWXOENrRytM1Eix~fO27DXZA96Ol9k0lE3PNCmYLDg61kQnVCEBZnmtcDZtX6ehX9JqLTnp-hupn7poDjK6QH7l~z7JlgGrdIwdOmDiARAE2Tkw848GkkEEV3SkkR696XjZYh0m17ZBcHA2wlawtqF-ukN7eLVv0yzr0nAgrYjMoVKRTtfSaxCBNh3-3LG29mXaXFsgzb7XWWF4he~g2p5vMIUlRebZPvEXY-N8KGBh2PHPU0iCoL6RdZjRpAa-xUZfcf2FxtrQ8MGdn8TXliNBe3FYuNCoxj8w5c9xOe5cCRXcTAejSfYNpabthXMbwjLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Louisiana Legislature","date","2025-06-04T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Horton presented House Bill 125 as legislation to safeguard Louisiana residents' genomic information from access or misuse by foreign adversaries, particularly technologies and services linked to entities identified by federal sanctions. The sponsor said the bill clarifies restrictions on the use of certain genetic sequencers and related software in Louisiana to protect privacy and national security.

Kelly Curry of State Armour, who testified in support, described international risks tied to foreign actors collecting genomic data and argued that the Chinese biotechnology firm BGI Group and similar entities have sought to amass diverse genetic datasets globally. \"China views biotechnology in particular as the next industrial revolution,\" Curry testified, and said some foreign commercial actors are supported by their governments in ways that raise national-security concerns.

Committee members and the sponsor said an amendment was supplied and agreed with working groups and the governor's office to clarify intent and make the text germane to an existing cancer access network provision. Senator Alon moved the bill out favorably as amended; the committee recorded no objections and the measure was reported by the committee.

The committee record shows the bill would direct state agencies to limit the use of certain devices and software identified as controlled or sanctioned for use by foreign adversaries and to align state policy with federal sanctions and directives. Where federal agencies have acted (Department of Commerce, Department of Defense), sponsors said state alignment ensures consistency with national measures while preventing unauthorized access to resident genomic data.

The committee did not debate implementing regulations in detail; sponsors said operational details would be handled by the relevant agencies and that the amendment was intended to narrow and clarify the bill for medical research collaborations such as the Louisiana Cancer Access Network.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs Committee Part 1 - June 4, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Lawmakers voted to report House Bill 125, the Louisiana Genomic Security Act of 2025, after testimony that it would align state policy with federal steps to block certain foreign-controlled genomic technologies and protect residents' genetic data.","taxTitle","Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Louisiana","taxId",24286,"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},6210464,"Senate committee advances bill allowing homeowners to buy lower stated-value home insurance policies",4387,3007000,7394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb&start=3007&end=7394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb/thumbnail_3007000.jpg","/articles/6210464/Louisiana/Senate-committee-advances-bill-allowing-homeowners-to-buy-lower-stated-value-home-insurance-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210464-099b4eef4476af7702eae0a26a7394ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149175&Signature=CCQsoZ1LeKMo5AU6ixDcOifzHHsVxqg1xetud~xHabkAS3mcN7amk5rzC9-q2fAIwBLzmuHuuDEEeaenQIwyT9MRZaqyJYcOxL1QZFxOqs7frW9fPaNwvqAfphsUOsosI-Zm3zu25JZYk9oRmPPNVmday1gzGc15-f5R6TtyS4~agHHTM5rFG56aX5MQdyVD6K4zKjSZSMwLvZZqcJ-6iXwxqAJpj1XBSvDIKijWwN3KnjogCVxyd6RgBEv-y5OEusNTJ-kbYcPlY-QYPt0WkCKFG-Yju3lFDcuPm1nXJu9YH7PE1jRa0cn4pb4vkNYP8k9I8BfwqbANulXIly5u8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Brog told the Senate Commerce Committee that House Bill 356 creates a \"stated value\" homeowners insurance option intended to make coverage more affordable for homeowners with limited incomes or high replacement costs. Under the bill as amended, an owner-occupied home without a mortgage could be insured at any stated amount; for homes with a mortgage the bill would allow an owner to select an amount not less than fair market value (as defined in amendments using assessor data) and would require insurers to provide a stated-value option when requested by a consumer.

Sponsor and committee discussion focused on consumer protection and the practical effects of buying less-than-replacement coverage. Senator Abraham asked whether homeowners who buy $70,000 of coverage on a $100,000 home would actually receive that full amount for a partial or total loss. Supporters said the policy form and claims adjustment details would determine actual payouts, and that the bill requires prominent consumer disclosures and Department of Insurance outreach to explain risks. Commissioner Tim Temple and the Department cautioned the panel about consumer confusion and implementation logistics, noting there is no master database of all covered policies and that rulemaking and form development would take time.

Industry witnesses and insurance trade groups opposed a mandatory requirement that all carriers offer the product. Rodney Braxton of the Insurance Council of Louisiana and Kevin Cunningham of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association said requiring all licensed insurers to create and file a new product would increase administrative costs for insurers and regulators, costs that would be distributed back to policyholders. Several agent groups and industry associations said the stated-value product already exists in limited form —Citizens Property Insurance offers a version for a small number of policyholders— but uptake has been very low because the premium savings at common midpoints are modest compared with the coverage forgone.

Senators discussing the bill raised concerns about traction on claims, mortgage-holder protections, judicial liens and the potential for increased blight if owners take limited payments and walk away after a catastrophe. Representative Brog and backers pointed to examples where citizens faced premiums that were unaffordable and argued that a carefully regulated stated-value option offers a middle path between full replacement-cost insurance and being uninsured.

During the hearing Senator Abraham offered an amendment to change wording from \"shall\" to \"may\" —making offering a stated-value policy optional for insurers. That amendment passed on a roll call, 6 yeas to 3 nays, after an earlier version had failed on a tie vote. With that change and further technical edits the committee reported the bill favorably as amended.

Action: The committee adopted the amendment changing the mandatory offering to optional (roll call 6–3) and moved HB 356 favorably as amended. The Department of Insurance warned that implementing forms, ratings and consumer notifications would likely require months and additional agency work.","The Senate Commerce Committee reported House Bill 356, allowing homeowners to obtain \"stated value\" homeowners insurance that may insure a home for less than replacement cost, after adopting an amendment making insurer participation optional.",{"_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},6210469,"Senate committee hears House Bill 689 to tighten state broadband enforcement and change procurement rules",2249,145000,2394000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb&start=145&end=2394","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb/thumbnail_145000.jpg","/articles/6210469/Louisiana/Senate-committee-hears-House-Bill-689-to-tighten-state-broadband-enforcement-and-change-procurement-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210469-7a5b9f605d1002a03ef725e4ef81d42a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149175&Signature=ESLwzzts~aJMQCCcW2Fhumo5-bZCEV1ImU-YYgkx7r~5-iceHeWwCOkYaPn-23r7zHH7oQsja1Ynp9P2yFeSSRTZDybi3vW0555DhnoNTzAn1qBp67PQVXeRZEdRTbR9M6lScNyAqbQ80fTd0KKnAPy6Sh9nq5YZI-2EXM7RAvoCZ7TmB819gjdB3b9fTp0yo5YXkjxSMluiak28njH5jACHq0rxAxCL3tVMzGUemBHmepJ4SChxN3vcgToRSBJ2BKTpkAvQ6XjTuFHp3rxdi5fw4DHpwH-N4rZCPjz9VQd4F-1-9THMTr-dkkXsOB04s~ZZr5W1vlx85JxoKZiN3A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Desotel, presenting House Bill 689 to the Senate Commerce Committee, told members the measure is a narrowly focused rewrite of an earlier proposal and was developed with industry input. \"This is gonna be a really fast bill, because it's a really, really simple bill,\" she said, summarizing the intent to strengthen the Louisiana State Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity’s ability to oversee federally funded broadband projects.

The bill would let the state office set customized milestone thresholds for disbursements, raise an administrative fee (the proposal discussed would permit the office to collect up to 2.5 percent), and authorize an additional 2.5 percent to hire third-party contractors for technical and auditing work rather than expanding staff payroll. Desotel said the changes are intended to ensure the state-funded broadband network is \"deployed effectively, efficiently and equitably\" and to provide tools to address inadequate speeds, pricing violations and construction-related damages.

Vineth Iyengar, executive director of the Louisiana State Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity, told the committee the office needs flexibility to implement federal program rules and to speed reimbursement to contractors. \"Everything that we do has to be approved by the federal government,\" Iyengar said, adding that the office currently fields complex technical audits with a staff of four and that third-party contractors are used for field audits and compliance work.

Senators pressed for specifics. Senator Abraham asked how the state currently enforces provider obligations, noting constituents' complaints about service and pricing. Desotel and Iyengar said enforcement options under prior agreements were limited after payments were made and that the bill would expand recourse, including penalties, fund-suspension, recovery and program exclusion. Desotel cited instances in which construction damaged water systems and said the bill clarifies that providers must repair damage the state paid to construct.

Committee members also focused on procurement language in the bill that would allow the office to use \"alternative procurement methods consistent with requirements defined\" by federal officials. Iyengar said the language is intended to align state law with federal guidance used in prior Gumbo rounds, which required federal approval of program rules and competitive scoring processes. Some senators called the procurement clause vague; Iyengar and other broadband staff said matching the federal process enabled the state to run competitive award processes approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

Public testimony included Tom Giovannetti, president of the Institute for Policy Innovation, who urged caution about giving the state office regulatory authority. \"The federal program requires the states to set up broadband offices for the purposes of mapping and distributing grants. It's a grant distribution agency, it's not a regulatory agency,\" he said, opposing any move that could allow price regulation or broad enforcement powers.

Other written and oral comments the committee received included opposition letters and cards from CTIA, US Telecom and regional chambers of commerce; several business and provider representatives attended but did not all speak. Committee members noted the bill had been amended in the House with industry participation and that additional clarifying amendments could still be offered.

No formal vote on the bill occurred in the Senate committee during the hearing. Speakers and committee members emphasized the bill's dependency on federal approvals and federal program funds: Iyengar said the office must spend the available $176 million within the federal timeframe and that cash-flow delays for small providers can constrain deployment. Supporters said the change would speed payments and give the office investigative and compliance authority; opponents warned of creating a state regulatory role for a program that is federally driven.","Representative Desotel told the Senate Commerce Committee House Bill 689 is a narrow fix to improve enforcement and flexibility for state-funded broadband projects, including higher administrative fees and the ability to use third-party contractors.",{"_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},6210453,"Pipeline jurisdiction clarification bill stalls after debate over Public Service Commission authority and eminent-domain implications",2963,7152000,10115000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb&start=7152&end=10115","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb/thumbnail_7152000.jpg","/articles/6210453/Louisiana/Pipeline-jurisdiction-clarification-bill-stalls-after-debate-over-Public-Service-Commission-authority-and-eminent-domain-implications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210453-fab1d447167b029a6093355f30426bb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149175&Signature=MxU4lBWHzP8-iegBDtjf8ZzRHb7CD8N5zukzVdsiiia9PAOJH73NJREsoG~goy3FlKiXK5ypkbvcrG9Xcusx2c1H78ZGrNxRex5z18ekz-qzT8UVlsrLT0r-MJSd9Fz-LuV66Ljci0P5ivJZlfA5d-Hy9eFZzUbLHhMfHm0JoPKpQNqilOewG079CspuxGzfy40e7wInDw9~KjETX1eqrCq~T817eiG20cu2FKuF6JY0lUROj6K4Y5QKxhY6RKQg3XFph9DjleFmzBHDRFGj1vYpxXhAv2ibAi7F1Hx8e3a0rT2GWCXIQn~WUDnRlfwT4VFrOno5pzRE91zPI534vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Domingue presented House Bill 494 to clarify the statutory definition of a pipeline and to limit Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) jurisdiction over certain third-party terminal tank facilities. He said the change would restore predictability after an administrative-law judge found that an operation at Fouchon could be subject to PSC rate regulation.

Rosefield Fouchon Operating CEO Chris Kapsilimi testified the bill would protect third-party terminals from an unexpected expansion of PSC jurisdiction, preserve pricing flexibility and encourage capital investment. He said an ALJ ruling threatened to subject a standalone terminal to PSC rate-setting despite the industry's long practice and the statute's original intent.

Cantium and other pipeline opponents said the dispute arose from a unique factual situation and that the PSC had considered the record carefully and issued a unanimous 5–0 decision upholding jurisdiction in that particular instance. Neil Abramson, representing Cantium, argued the bill was designed to affect litigation outcomes and could create unintended uncertainty for industry and landowners. He warned the measure might also affect eminent-domain rights because PSC jurisdiction has long been linked with pipeline expropriation authority.

The PSC’s executive secretary and commissioner Davonte Lewis told the committee the case was fact-specific and not a general expansion of the commission's reach; they noted the commission’s orders and staff analyses. Senator Harris asked the PSC to clarify the commission position, and commission staff described the administrative appeals process and the stay/appeal rights available to both parties.

A roll call to report the bill as amended failed in committee, 4 yeas to 5 nays, and the measure was therefore held. Senators opposing the motion said they were concerned that the new language introduced uncertainty about a statute that had governed the sector for decades and could inadvertently alter eminent-domain authorities at issue in pipeline disputes.","House Bill 494 to clarify pipeline definitions and limit Public Service Commission jurisdiction was held in Senate Commerce after witnesses warned it could upend long-standing statutory expectations and impact eminent-domain rights.",{"_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},6210449,"Debate over HB 509: bill to deregulate natural hair braiding divides cosmetology board, trades and lawmakers",1855,10545000,12400000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb&start=10545&end=12400","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3718976-4bb480a7ee8f4bcc0b216351283e23bb/thumbnail_10545000.jpg","/articles/6210449/Louisiana/Debate-over-HB-509-bill-to-deregulate-natural-hair-braiding-divides-cosmetology-board-trades-and-lawmakers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210449-8d62a65d2a3017b6b6b63049426107a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149175&Signature=EEbzLdKXBu4tkS1YcLz0y5CZJRAwM84OjaY~cna-huNidaBYsN5CjfW4SYXwxYS9TbcmygDMeQKkq4F2cMM22QDsPR--yZVsrJdsHWhd2g1bdwTHbWJtWB2bwh6gSxom7vkkHNpwlkbJ3oh1P3Lo4c3eP4VkLQWDaX6mu8UI1JSw5NM0MDRHa-nljD3Hn21nRR6haFZUFJ0917yQozxzC8aQsB7FNKAPK30YhNAiUTOfFTk0NVa7pV6d0MyxsC15VG-wfrMdTPeH05Fawcwoqfowsh2hHOU4tid46TW3QpuUdflZIO9DhQBsIOqpjXAtNesi8wJArFO9hEI06Sn~vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Moore presented House Bill 509, aimed at creating a permit pathway for natural hair braiding and reducing regulatory barriers that supporters say prevent low-cost entrepreneurs from earning a living. The sponsor told the committee the bill had been amended after meetings with the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology and would retain protections while offering a lower-cost compliance route.

Supporters — including the Institute for Justice, pastors and braiders — said natural hair braiding is a low-risk skill rooted in cultural practice that should not require costly, multi‑thousand‑dollar training. Kelly Curry (Institute for Justice) told the panel that many states no longer require full cosmetology training for braiders and that alternatives with short hygiene training and a written exam can protect consumers while expanding opportunity. \"There is no evidence, none, that natural hair braiding presents any threat to public safety in the 37 states where licensure has been eliminated,\" she said.

Opponents included the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology, cosmetology schools and licensed practitioners, who argued the bill—especially in its amended form—would permit practices beyond simple hand-braiding (extensions, shampooing, cutting and some thermal tools) and that the board's April meeting adopted a different approach than the amended bill contained. Board counsel Sherry Morris said the board approved language in principle at a board meeting but that the amendments in the bill differed from the precise board-approved approach; she also noted resource and funding questions for oversight and inspection.

Multiple insurance and professional groups filed in support or for information, and several witnesses urged specific compromises: a separate alternative-hair curriculum, an instructor credential, clear sanitation training and a licensing track for those who want to teach. Representative Moore and several supporters argued the bill includes consumer-safeguarding elements — a required safety training video, a written hygiene exam and an inspection regime — while creating an affordable permit system.

Committee members did not take a final vote on the bill during the hearing; Representative Moore asked the committee to consider the amended compromise framework. Several senators asked for additional clarifications about the scope (what devices and services are permitted), fiscal impacts on the cosmetology board and the interaction of permits with existing licensing.","House Bill 509, which would create a permit-based pathway for natural hair braiding and reduce cosmetology licensure barriers, prompted extensive testimony on public-safety safeguards, economic opportunity and regulatory scope. Supporters emphasized entrepreneurship and low public-health risk; opponents — cosmetology schools and board counsel —","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate committee unanimously reports Louisiana Genomic Security Act amid national-security concerns

Senate committee advances bill allowing homeowners to buy lower stated-value home insurance policies

Senate committee hears House Bill 689 to tighten state broadband enforcement and change procurement rules

Pipeline jurisdiction clarification bill stalls after debate over Public Service Commission authority and eminent-domain implications

Debate over HB 509: bill to deregulate natural hair braiding divides cosmetology board, trades and lawmakers