House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes the establishment of gold and silver as legal currency in Louisiana by enacting Chapter 13-A of Title 6 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The bill defines key terms such as "bullion," "currency," "depository," and "specie," and outlines the roles and responsibilities of the state treasurer in issuing and managing this new currency. It allows the treasurer to adopt necessary rules for implementation, ensures that currency cannot be used for loans or investments, and stipulates that all currency is the property of the depositor, who can withdraw it without delay.
Additionally, the bill details the processes for purchasing and redeeming the new currency, including the ability to exchange it for U.S. dollars or for bullion/specie. It establishes that the value of the currency will be determined based on the market price of gold and silver at the time of transactions. The treasurer is also authorized to set fees for the issuance and redemption of the currency to cover administrative costs, ensuring that the state will not incur additional expenses from the general fund. Overall, this legislation aims to create a framework for the use of precious metals as a viable currency option in Louisiana.