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Bill

Bill

SCR 68

TECHNOLOGY: Creates the Task Force on Blockchain and Digital Innovation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dewith Carrier and 9 co-sponsors

Louisiana creates a bipartisan Task Force on Blockchain and Digital Innovation to study impacts, regulate approaches, and propose laws to boost growth with consumer protections.

Read by title, concurred in by vote of 90 yeas, 0 nays.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 68

Overview

Louisiana Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 68 (2026) creates the Task Force on Blockchain and Digital Innovation. The purpose is to study the use, development, regulation, economic impact, and potential risks and benefits of blockchain technology, with the goal of informing legislative recommendations and potential new laws.

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish a formal, temporary task force to examine how blockchain and related digital assets affect Louisiana’s economy, government operations, and regulatory environment.
  • Identify strategies to attract and retain blockchain/digital asset businesses while ensuring consumer protections and regulatory clarity.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment: Creates the Task Force on Blockchain and Digital Innovation to study blockchain use, development, regulation, economic impact, and risks/benefits.
  • Report requirement: Task force must prepare recommendations and specific legislative proposals, delivered to the legislature and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library no later than February 1, 2027.
  • Topics for consideration (non-exhaustive):
    • Impacts of blockchain and digital assets on Louisiana’s economy and business climate.
    • Opportunities to attract and retain blockchain/digital asset businesses.
    • Potential government applications of blockchain in operations and services.
    • Regulatory approaches in other states and competitive implications.
    • Regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protections.
    • Risks and benefits, including privacy considerations, for government and private sector use.
    • Impact of the cryptocurrency industry within Louisiana.
    • Stakeholder input from industry, consumer advocates, and academics.
  • Composition: The task force includes:
    • 2 Louisiana Senate members (appointed by the Senate president).
    • 2 Louisiana House members (appointed by the House speaker).
    • 1 Commissioner of the Office of Financial Institutions (or designee).
    • 1 Attorney General (or designee).
    • 1 State Treasurer (or designee).
    • 1 Secretary of the Louisiana Workforce Commission (or designee).
    • 3 blockchain/digital assets/fintech industry members appointed by the Senate president.
    • 3 blockchain/digital assets/fintech industry members appointed by the House speaker.
  • Appointment timeline: Designees must be submitted by September 1, 2026.
  • Leadership and operations:
    • The task force must convene its first meeting by October 1, 2026.
    • At the first meeting, members elect a chair and any other officers.
    • Quorum requires a majority; actions require a majority vote.
    • Members serve without compensation, but may receive per diem or expense reimbursements as permitted by their appointing organizations.
    • Senate and House committee staff will provide support.
  • Duration: The task force terminates upon submission of its report or on February 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
  • Administrative notes: Copies of the resolution transmitted to relevant state financial and regulatory offices (e.g., Office of Financial Institutions, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and Louisiana Workforce Commission).

Who would be affected

  • State government operations and regulatory bodies may experience indirect effects through potential future legislation informed by the task force’s work.
  • Blockchain, cryptocurrency, digital assets, and fintech industries would have representation on the task force and may influence policy outcomes.
  • Consumers and businesses in Louisiana could benefit from clearer regulatory guidance and consumer protections resulting from the task force’s recommendations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and amendments: SCR 68 was amended and adopted by the Senate in May 2026.
  • Appointment deadlines: Designees must be named by September 1, 2026.
  • Term and reporting: First meeting by October 1, 2026; report due by February 1, 2027.
  • Structure: Explicit bipartisan and multi-agency membership to ensure cross-cutting perspectives, including legislative members and executive branch officials.

Potential impact

  • Provides a formal, structured framework to explore blockchain policy in Louisiana.
  • Aims to enhance regulatory clarity and consumer protections while pursuing economic development opportunities in digital assets and blockchain-related industries.
  • Could inform future state legislation on regulatory standards, licensing, data privacy, financial oversight, and government use of blockchain technologies.

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

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