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Bill

HB 695

COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS: Provides relative to gold and silver as legal tender (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Beryl Amedée and 13 co-sponsors

Louisiana authorizes gold and silver as legal tender for commercial transactions starting August 1, 2025, creating a state-level alternative monetary system alongside federal currency.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 304.
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Bill Summary · HB 695

Legislative bill overview

HB 695 establishes gold and silver as legal tender in Louisiana, allowing these precious metals to be used in commercial transactions alongside traditional currency. The bill became Act No. 304 and takes effect August 1, 2025, creating a parallel monetary system where bullion can satisfy debt obligations.

Why is this important

This legislation directly challenges the federal monetary system by recognizing alternative forms of payment at the state level. It could affect tax treatment, contract law, and commercial transactions, while signaling philosophical alignment with sound-money advocates who distrust fiat currency.

Potential points of contention

  • Practical implementation challenges: Establishing valuation mechanisms, standardization, and acceptance protocols for daily commerce using fluctuating precious metal prices rather than fixed currency denominations
  • Federal authority conflict: The U.S. Constitution grants Congress exclusive coinage power; state-level tender laws may face legal challenges regarding federal supremacy and interstate commerce
  • Tax and accounting complications: Unclear how capital gains, sales tax, and income reporting apply when gold/silver transactions occur, potentially creating compliance burdens for businesses and the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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