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LouisianaSB 802026 Regular SessionSenate

COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS: Provides for the regulation of certain broadband services. (8/1/26) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

Sponsored By: Beth Mizell (Republican)

Signed by Governor

CommerceCommerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Stronger payment protections for broadband grant recipients

Beginning August 1, 2026, Louisiana's broadband office cannot hold back GUMBO 2.0 progress or interim payments. Only final payments can be withheld, under regular rules adopted with public notice, public comment, and legislative oversight—not emergency rules. Those rules must explain the grounds and give grant recipients notice and a chance to fix problems or respond before final action. For underground utility or facility damage, withholding requires a final, non-appealable court judgment finding the provider at fault and failure to pay on time; withholding cannot exceed the unpaid judgment. Before releasing withheld money, the office can require repair, repayment, or other compliance records; evidence or findings from this process cannot be used in court.

Higher spending caps for Louisiana broadband administration

Beginning August 1, 2026, Louisiana's broadband office can use up to 2.5% of GUMBO 1.0 funds for administration, up from 1%. Another 2.5% can pay outside administrative contractors, also up from 1%. That contractor money cannot pay new or existing office staff. Together, these caps allow up to 5% for administration, leaving less for broadband projects when fully used. The law also repeals R.S. 51:2370.51; the supplied text does not explain what that section covered.

State bidding rules with broadband grant flexibility

Beginning August 1, 2026, GUMBO 3.0 grants must follow Louisiana's purchasing rules or public bidding law. A different method is allowed only if it meets the federal telecommunications agency's requirements. Louisiana's administration commissioner must also find in writing that the alternative serves the state's best interest. GUMBO 3.0 is authorized only when GUMBO 2.0 money remains uncommitted after infrastructure obligations are met.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Beth Mizell

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 150 • No: 0

House vote • 5/29/2026

Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 100, nays 0. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

Yes: 100 • No: 0

House vote • 5/18/2026

Reported with amendments

Yes: 12 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/24/2026

Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title and passed by a vote of 38 yeas and 0 nays; ordered reengrossed and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 736.

    6/2/2026Senate

  2. Effective date 8/1/2026.

    6/2/2026Senate

  3. Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate.

    6/1/2026Senate

  4. Signed by the Speaker of the House.

    6/1/2026House

  5. Sent to the Governor by the Secretary of the Senate.

    6/1/2026Senate

  6. Called from the calendar.

    5/29/2026House

  7. Read by title, returned to the calendar.

    5/29/2026House

  8. Called from the calendar.

    5/29/2026House

  9. Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 100, nays 0. Finally passed, ordered to the Senate.

    5/29/2026House

  10. Received from the House with amendments.

    5/29/2026Senate

  11. Read by title, amended, returned to the calendar.

    5/26/2026House

  12. Notice given.

    5/26/2026House

  13. Scheduled for floor debate on 05/29/2026.

    5/26/2026House

  14. Scheduled for floor debate on 05/26/2026.

    5/25/2026House

  15. Read by title, amended, passed to 3rd reading.

    5/20/2026House

  16. Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments.

    5/19/2026House

  17. Reported with amendments (12-0). Referred to the Legislative Bureau.

    5/18/2026House

  18. Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Commerce.

    3/26/2026House

  19. Received in the House from the Senate, read by title, lies over under the rules.

    3/25/2026House

  20. Senate floor amendments read and adopted. Read by title and passed by a vote of 38 yeas and 0 nays; ordered reengrossed and sent to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.

    3/24/2026Senate

  21. Read by title. Committee amendments read and adopted. Ordered engrossed and passed to third reading and final passage.

    3/23/2026Senate

  22. Reported with amendments.

    3/18/2026Senate

  23. Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs.

    3/9/2026Senate

  24. Prefiled and under the rules provisionally referred to the Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and International Affairs.

    2/20/2026Senate

Bill Text

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