SECRETARY OF STATE: Provides that the secretary of state is the chief protocol officer of the state (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 362 designates Louisiana's secretary of state as the state's chief protocol officer, adding this role to their existing duties. The bill requires the secretary to actively seek contact with foreign officials from nations with which Louisiana has or seeks trade, cultural, or educational ties, aiming to facilitate exchanges that benefit commerce, culture, and education. This change directly affects the secretary of state’s responsibilities without creating new costs or staffing needs, as noted by "EN NO IMPACT." The provision modifies existing law (R.S. 36:742(11)) to formalize this protocol function within the secretary’s current role.