Commerce Committee reports several bills favorably on banking, licensing and emergency response

The Senate Commerce Committee on March 11 advanced a set of bills with limited debate aside from technical clarifications.

Senator Morris presented SB 279, described as a Louisiana Bankers Association measure to allow uncertificated securities and bank stock to be held and transferred without paper certificates in conformity with the Uniform Commercial Code. "Senate bill 279 is a Louisiana Bankers Association bill," Morris said, explaining the bill aligns state practice with other states and brokerage norms.

Senator Mizell presented SB 39, a Massage Therapy Board bill to permit provisional licenses so recent graduates can work for up to 90 days while preparing for licensing exams; a technical amendment corrected expired statutory language and the bill was moved as amended.

Senator Mizell also presented SB 375 to clarify definitions related to firefighting foam and align statute with emergency-response rules; the committee reported the bill favorably.

The committee approved minutes from the Commerce Committee meeting on June 4, 2025 and adjourned.

What’s next: Each bill will proceed through the normal Senate process toward possible floor consideration.