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Bill

HCR 74

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: Establishes the Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bayham

Creates the Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission to boost bilateral trade, investment, and exchanges with the UK, reporting recommendations by Oct 1, 2027.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HCR 74

Summary of HCR 74 (2026 Regular Session, Louisiana)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission (the Commission).
  • Aims to reinvent and strengthen Louisiana’s ties with the United Kingdom in areas including energy, creative arts, academia, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on 21st-century competitiveness.
  • Requires the Commission to produce and deliver a written report to the Governor and the Legislature with recommendations and specific proposals for legislation by no later than October 1, 2027.

Key Provisions

Commission Establishment and Membership

  • Creates the Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission.

  • Members appointed as follows:

    1. One energy industry representative, appointed by the President of the Senate.
    2. One energy industry representative, appointed by the Speaker of the House.
    3. Two Senators, appointed by the President of the Senate.
    4. Two Members of the House, appointed by the Speaker.
    5. The Commissioner of Agriculture.
    6. The Commissioner of Insurance.
    7. Six members appointed by the Governor, including:
      • At least one representative from a public higher education institution.
      • At least one representative from Louisiana Economic Development.
      • At least one member representing British-American communities or interests.

  • All appointments must be made by September 1, 2026. Vacancies are filled in the same manner as original appointments.

Purposes and Activities

  • Primary purposes:
    1. Advance bilateral trade and investment between Louisiana and the United Kingdom.
    2. Initiate joint actions on policy issues of mutual interest.
    3. Promote cultural, business, and academic exchanges.
    4. Encourage mutual economic support.
    5. Encourage mutual investment in infrastructure in both Louisiana and the United Kingdom.
    6. Address other issues identified by the Commission.

Operations and Reporting

  • The Commission may meet as needed.
  • It must report its findings, results, and recommendations to the Governor and the Louisiana Legislature by October 1, 2027, in writing, including recommendations to effectuate its purposes.
  • First meeting must occur no later than October 1, 2026, convened at the call of the Speaker of the House.
  • At the first meeting, members elect a chair and other officers as appropriate.
  • Quorum: A majority of the Commission; actions require a majority vote of those present and voting.
  • Compensation: Members serve without compensation, but may receive per diem or expense reimbursements as permitted by their constituent organizations.
  • Termination: The Commission terminates upon submission of its report or on October 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Creates a new, formal intergovernmental/commercial body (the Commission) linking Louisiana and the United Kingdom.
  • Involves specific state agencies and offices (Energy sector representatives, Agriculture, Insurance, Louisiana Economic Development, higher education, and British-American community interests) in its leadership and participation.
  • Potentially influences future legislation and policy related to trade, investment, infrastructure, and cultural/educational exchange with the United Kingdom.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Appointments due by September 1, 2026.
  • Commission convenes its first meeting by October 1, 2026.
  • Written report with recommendations due by October 1, 2027.
  • Commission terminates no later than October 1, 2027 (or when the report is submitted, whichever occurs first).

Notes

  • The resolution is nonbinding in itself but creates a formal mechanism to assess and promote Louisiana–United Kingdom trade and collaboration.
  • Members serve without compensation beyond standard per diem/expense reimbursements.
  • The bill emphasizes a broad, cross-sectoral approach, incorporating energy, agriculture, insurance, higher education, economic development, and public interest groups.

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

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