FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: Provides with respect to transactions of financial institutions

HB 418 prohibits Louisiana financial institutions (banks with over $100 billion in assets or payment processors handling over $100 billion in annual transactions) from taking adverse actions (like refusing services) based on protected activities. It specifically bans discrimination tied to religious exercise, political speech, refusal to discuss climate policies, refusal to conduct diversity audits, refusal to facilitate abortions/gender transition services, or refusal to do business with fossil fuel/firearms companies (unless based on disclosed financial risk standards). The bill requires institutions to provide written, specific reasons for adverse actions within 30 days of a request and allows affected individuals to sue for $10,000 per violation (or tripled for willful violations). It directly affects large financial institutions and consumers who believe their services were denied due to protected conduct.