39 bills pending
Members
๐ฅ Ryan Bourriaque (R)
๐ฅ Bryan Fontenot (R)
Pending Bills
HB82: Designates the Intracoastal Waterway Gulf Outlet Bridge on Louisiana Highway 47 in Orleans Parish as the "Vietnam War Veterans Green Bridge"
Last Action: First appeared in the Interim Calendar on 3/21/2025.
Date: 2025-03-21
Author: Mike Bayham (R)
HB83: Designates a portion of LA 466 in the city of Gretna as "Chief B.H. Miller, Jr. Memorial Parkway"
Last Action: First appeared in the Interim Calendar on 3/21/2025.
Date: 2025-03-21
Author: Vincent Cox (R)
SENATE floor amendments add multiple highway and bridge naming designations across Louisiana:
- LA 466 and LA 18 in Gretna: Chief B.H. Miller, Jr. Memorial Highway
- Elevated portion of LA 31 in Arnaudville: Coach Raymond Lavergne Sr. Memorial Bridge
- LA 26 in Jennings: Dr. Martin Luther King Memorial Highway
- North Frontage Road in Jennings: Representative John E. Guinn Memorial Highway
- LA 20 in Lafourche Parish: Martha Ann Woods-Shareef Highway
- US 167 in Dubach: Chief Russell Croxton Memorial Highway
- LA 3002 in Livingston Parish: Corporal Shawn Kelly Memorial Boulevard
- US 190 in Covington: Sergeant Linden Beau Raimer and Deputy Sheriff Marylin Mayo Memorial Highway
Signs will be installed by DOTD if local or private funds cover the cost, not to exceed $550 per sign.
HOUSE floor and committee amendments [LINK] all changed highway segment boundaries back and forth
Proposes to designate a segment of Louisiana Highway 466 in Gretna, between Franklin Street and Huey P. Long Avenue, as the "Chief B.H. Miller, Jr. Memorial Parkway." The bill directs the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to install and maintain appropriate signage for this designation, contingent upon receiving local or private funds to cover the costs, capped at $550 per sign. The legislation aims to honor Chief B.H. Miller, Jr. through this highway naming, with implementation reliant on external funding to offset DOTD expenses.
HB94: Abolishes the West Feliciana Parish Port Commission
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Jeremy LaCombe (R)
Co-sponsors: Glen Womack (R)
Proposes to abolish the West Feliciana Parish Port Commission. The bill repeals Chapter 44 of Title 34 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950 (R.S. 34:3281-3286), which established the commission and outlined its powers, including taxing and bonding authority. Upon the bill's effective date, the governing authority of West Feliciana Parish will succeed the commission, assuming responsibility for all unfinished business, legal proceedings, obligations, and assets (documents, money, property, and records). The legislation effectively dissolves the nine-member commission and transfers its functions to the parish governing authority.
HB119: Decreases the minimum light transmission percentage allowable for the front side window tint of motor vehicles
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Daryl Deshotel (R)
Proposes reducing the minimum allowable light transmission for sun screening devices on the front side windows of motor vehicles. The current law requires at least 40% light transmission for these windows, but the bill seeks to lower this threshold to 25%. Regulations for other windows remain unchanged: 25% for side windows behind the driver and 12% for rear windows. The bill retains the prohibition on sun screening devices with a luminous reflectance above 20%. This change would allow for darker window tints on the front side windows.
HB167: Designates a portion of Louisiana Highway 3188 as the "Veterans Memorial Highway"
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Sylvia Taylor (D)
Proposes designating a segment of Louisiana Highway 3188 in LaPlace, Louisiana, as the "Veterans Memorial Highway." The specified portion begins at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 3188 and Interstate 10 and ends at its intersection with United States Highway 61. The bill also directs the Department of Transportation and Development to install appropriate signage for this designation, contingent upon receiving local or private funds to cover the actual costs, not exceeding $550 per sign.
HB170: Removes the requirement that taxi cab drivers obtain a chauffeur's license (OR DECREASE SG RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Vincent Cox (R)
Proposes amending R.S. 32:408(B)(2)(d) to remove the requirement for taxi cab drivers to obtain a Class "D" chauffeur's license. Instead, taxi drivers would only need to hold a Class "E" driver's license. The bill clarifies that the provisions requiring a chauffeur's license for operating certain vehicles do not apply to taxi cab drivers.
In Louisiana, the primary distinctions between a Class "D" Chauffeur's License and a Class "E" Driver's License pertain to the types of vehicles each permits the holder to operate and the associated requirements.
Class "E" Driver's License:
- Purpose: Intended for personal vehicle operation.
- Vehicle Specifications: Authorizes the operation of:
- Any single motor vehicle under 10,001 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW).
- Any such vehicle towing another vehicle not exceeding 10,000 pounds GVW.
- Personal use of recreational vehicles.
- Any vehicle not classified under Classes "A", "B", "C", or "D".
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
- Additional Requirements: First-time applicants are required to complete a driver education or pre-licensing course.
Class "D" Chauffeur's License:
- Purpose: Designed for individuals operating larger vehicles for commercial purposes.๎
- Vehicle Specifications: Permits the operation of:
- All vehicles included in Class "E".
- Any single vehicle used in commerce with a GVW between 10,001 and 26,001 pounds.
- Vehicles designed to transport a maximum of 15 passengers, including the driver, provided they are not used to transport hazardous materials.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
- Additional Requirements: Applicants must pass a knowledge test with a minimum score of 80%.
In summary, while both licenses have the same minimum age requirement, a Class "D" Chauffeur's License is necessary for operating larger, commercially-used vehicles, whereas a Class "E" Driver's License is suitable for standard personal vehicles.
HB174: Designates the bridge located on U.S. 167 in Winn Parish as the "Clayton Horne Memorial Bridge"
Last Action: Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-03-31
Author: Jack McFarland (R)
HOUSE committee and floor amendments technical
Proposes to designate the bridge on U.S. Highway 167 over the Kansas City Southern railroad tracks in Winnfield, Winn Parish, Louisiana, as the "Clayton Horne Memorial Bridge." The bill directs the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to install and maintain appropriate signage for this designation. However, the installation is contingent upon receiving local or private funds to cover the actual costs incurred by the department for materials, fabrication, mounting posts, and installation, with a cap of $550 per sign.
Specialist Clayton James Horne, a 23-year-old from Atlanta, Louisiana, served as an Army Reserve military policeman and a deputy with the Winn Parish Sheriff's Office. He was assigned to the 351st Military Police Company, 160th Military Police Battalion, based in Ocala, Florida. Tragically, on August 17, 2019, Spc. Horne died in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from injuries sustained in a non-combat-related incident. The Winn Parish Sheriff's Office reported that he fell from a tower. His awards included the National Defense Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. In honor of his service and sacrifice, legislation has been proposed to name this bridge in Winnfield, Louisiana, after him.
HB180: Redesignates a portion of United States Highway 425 in Richland Parish as "Sheriff Gary Lynn Gilley Memorial Highway"
Last Action: Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-03-31
Author: Francis Thompson (R)
House Bill No. 180, introduced during the 2025 Regular Session by Representative Thompson, proposes redesignating a segment of United States Highway 425 in Richland Parish, Louisiana, as the "Sheriff Gary Lynn Gilley Memorial Highway." This specific portion lies between the northern junction of Louisiana Highway 132 and the southern junction of Louisiana Highway 584 in Archibald, Louisiana.
The bill mandates that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) or its contractors install and maintain appropriate signage to reflect this new designation. Importantly, the legislation specifies that private funds must be provided to cover the DOTD's actual costs for materials, fabrication, mounting posts, and installation of each sign, with expenses not exceeding $550 per sign.
The proposed renaming serves to honor the memory and contributions of Sheriff Gary Lynn Gilley to the Richland Parish community. He served there as sheriff for nearly 30 years.
HB209: Provides relative to the financing structure for public works projects in Ascension Parish
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Ken Brass (D)
Proposes amendments to Louisiana's public contract and bidding laws specifically for Ascension Parish. The bill seeks to raise the "contract limit" (circumvent the bidding process) for public works projects and adjust bonding requirements for contractors.
Key Provisions of HB 209:
1. Increase in "Contract Limit":
The proposed legislation raises the "contract limit" for public works projects undertaken by the governing authority of Ascension Parish to $500,000 per project. This amount includes labor, materials, equipment (valued according to the latest Associated Equipment Dealers Rental Rate Book), and administrative overhead not exceeding 15%. Starting February 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Office of Facility Planning and Control within the Division of Administration will adjust this "contract limit" based on the Consumer Price Index's annual percentage increase. The updated limit will be published in the Louisiana Register each January.
2. Bonding Requirements:
For contracts exceeding $50,000 in Ascension Parish, the bill mandates that contractors provide a bond with approved surety, amounting to at least 50% of the contract price. This bond ensures payment to claimants as defined in R.S. 38:2242. The bond must be recorded with the contract in the office of the recorder of mortgages in the parish where the work is performed, no later than thirty days after commencement.
HB221: Provides relative to a motor vehicle inspection tax (OR +$8,333,410 SG RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Lawrence Bagley (R)
Proposes an annual motor vehicle inspection tax of $10 on vehicles exempt from current inspection requirements. This tax would be collected biennially alongside the vehicle registration license tax. The revenue distribution is specified as follows:
ยท $1.25 per annual tax to the Office of Motor Vehicles.
ยท $4.00 per annual tax to the Office of State Police for state police officer training.
ยท $4.75 per annual tax to the Office of State Police for traffic enforcement.
The bill also mandates the commissioner of motor vehicles to establish rules for the tax's collection and remittance.
These exemptions include:
ยท Farm equipment: Farm tractors, self-propelled farm equipment, rubber-tired farm wagons and carts, drawn rubber-tired farm equipment, and implements of husbandry designed primarily for field use and operated or moved only incidentally on highways.
ยท Single-axle two-wheel trailers: These trailers are not required to undergo inspections.
ยท Antique motor vehicles: Vehicles that are 25 years old or older, used primarily for exhibition in shows, parades, tours, and other special events, and not for general transportation, provided they are registered and licensed as antique vehicles.
ยท Boat trailers: Trailers specifically designed for transporting boats are exempt from inspection requirements.
ยท Tandem axle trailers: These trailers are exempt unless they are used in commerce and subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.
ยท Commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce: Truck tractors, trailers, and semitrailers engaged in interstate commerce and subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations are exempt, provided they comply with federal periodic and annual inspection requirements.
ยท Mini-trucks: These vehicles are also exempt from inspection requirements.
HB232: Eliminates the state inspection sticker requirement for certain vehicles (OR -$14,193,672 SG RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Lawrence Bagley (R)
Eliminates Louisiana's vehicle inspection sticker requirement for most vehicles.
Summary of key points:
1. Eliminates inspection stickers:
The bill removes the requirement for most vehicles to display a state-issued safety inspection certificate.
2. Keeps inspections for certain vehicles:
Commercial vehicles and student transportation vehicles must still comply with federal and state inspection rules.
3. Law enforcement authority remains:
Police can still stop and inspect vehicles deemed unsafe and issue notices for necessary repairs.
Impacts:
- Vehicle owners would save time and money by no longer needing annual inspections.
- Commercial and student transport sectors remain subject to strict safety checks.
- Public safety is maintained through targeted inspections by law enforcement.
HB297: Provides for a "contract limit" for public works projects by the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (OR DECREASE SG EX See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Francis Thompson (R)
Increases automatically adjusted for inflation.
SENATE floor amendments [LINK] let the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism carry out small construction projects or land purchases costing up to $1 million (adjusted annually for inflation) without needing to include them in the stateโs capital outlay budget. These projects require approval from the lieutenant governor. The department can use short-term loans (up to one year) to fund these projects but cannot take on long-term debt. The amendments also clarify that other agencies can do similar projects up to $250,000 without capital outlay approval.
HOUSE floor amendment set 3245 [LINK] convert the increased public works contract limit into a pilot program ending August 1, 2029. They require the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to submit an annual report to the House and Senate transportation committees by August 1 each year. The report must include details on projects using the new limit, contract amounts, cost and time savings, revenue impacts, and other public benefits.
HOUSE floor amendment set 2484 [LINK] expands the revised law to include both Subsections C(1) and P(1)(a) of R.S. 38:2212. They update the definition of "contract limit" for public works projects to $250,000 per project, including labor, materials, equipment (based on industry rate books), and up to 15% for administrative overhead. Starting February 1, 2025, this limit will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index, with updates published each January in the Louisiana Register.
INCREASES THE NO BID CONTRACTS FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS AT RECREATION AND TOURISM FROM $50,000 to ONE MILLION DOLLARS.
Proposes amendments to Louisiana's public works contracting regulations, specifically impacting the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (DCRT).
Under current Louisiana law, public entities like the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism (DCRT) are generally required to adhere to statewide public works contracting limits and procedures. This includes relatively low thresholds for what qualifies as a public works project requiring formal contracting and bidding. For projects above $50,000, public bidding is mandatory. Additionally, there are no special exemptions or contract amount increases specifically granted to the DCRT for handling projects in-house. Also, when a public emergency is declared, entities must publish a notice of that declaration in their official journal within ten days.
Under the proposed changes in HB 297, the DCRT would be granted a special contract limit of $1 million per project. This means the DCRT could undertake public works projects up to that amount using its own workforce and resources, without going through the traditional public bid law processesโthough projects above $50,000 would still require public bidding. The $1 million threshold includes costs for labor, materials, equipment (based on the Associated Equipment Dealers Rental Rate Book), and up to 15% for administrative overhead. Furthermore, this limit would be adjusted annually beginning in 2026 based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, ensuring it keeps pace with inflation. These expanded provisions would remain in effect until December 31, 2029.
HB312: Prohibits the state and any of its political subdivisions or agencies from using price or price-related information as a factor in the selection of architectural and engineering professional services for certain projects (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Foy Gadberry (R)
SENATE committee amendments technical
HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] add requirement that political subdivisions, agencies, or their contractors must negotiate professional service contracts at a fair and reasonable rate. If they canโt reach an agreement with the chosen firm, they must end negotiations and move to the next firm, repeating the process until a deal is made. This ensures a clear, fair process for contract negotiations.
HOUSE committee amendments technical
COST ALWAYS must be considered for public contracts.
Seeks to amend Louisiana's policy on selecting architectural and engineering professional services. The proposed legislation would prohibit the state, its political subdivisions, agencies, and their contractors from considering price or price-related information when selecting architects, engineers, landscape architects, and land surveyors for projects funded with state or local resources. This amendment aims to ensure that selections are based solely on competence and qualifications, aligning with the state's existing "No Bidding of Architectural and Engineering Professional Services" policy.
HB350: Provides relative to drainage districts
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Ken Brass (D)
Modifies governance rules for Louisiana drainage districts:
1. Commissioners must own or represent property in the district (min. assessed value $500); residency not required.
2. Parish governing authorities solely appoint commissioners via majority vote.
3. Landowner recommendations guide commissioner appointments; majority preference prevails in disputes.
4. Commissioners serve five-year terms; one commissioner appointed annually.
5. Parish authorities exclusively handle commissioner removals and reorganizations.
6. Repeals previous appointment and term-related provisions (R.S. 38:1608(D)).
HB428: Re-creates the Department of Transportation and Development
Last Action: Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-04
Author: ๐ฅ Ryan Bourriaque (R)
Re-creates the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) under sunset law. It extends the departmentโs statutory authority until July 1, 2027. Termination of the DOTD would begin on July 1, 2026, unless it is re-created again before then. The act becomes effective on June 30, 2025.
HB474: Provides relative to emergency vehicles for coroners
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: ๐ค Jacob Braud (R)
Expands the definition of "authorized emergency vehicle" to include vehicles used for coroner investigations.
Current Law: Defines "authorized emergency vehicle" to include vehicles operated by fire departments, police, ambulance services, and certain designated public or private entities.
Proposed Change: Adds vehicles used for coroner investigations to the list of authorized emergency vehicles.
Allows coronersโ vehicles to legally operate with the privileges granted to emergency vehicles, such as using lights and sirens and receiving traffic priority when responding to calls.
HB476: Provides relative to an annual automatic adjustment to a fee for motor vehicle dealers based on the Consumer Price Index (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: ๐ฅ Bryan Fontenot (R)
HOUSE committee amendment [LINK] adds: "The Federal Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers or CPI-U shall not exceed three percent for a calendar year."
Amends current law to allow the $425 maximum documentation and compliance fee charged by motor vehicle dealers to increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The Office of Motor Vehicles must calculate and publish the adjusted fee each year by January 14. Adjustments under $0.50 are rounded down; $0.50 or more are rounded up. No increase applies if the CPI change is negative.
HB480: Provides relative to the authority of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission to use the payment in lieu of taxes program (OR NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Danny McCormick (R)
Requires additional oversight before the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission can use the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (P.I.L.O.T.) program. It mandates that:
- The governing authorities in Caddo and Bossier Parishes must evaluate and document the property taxes that would be abated by each taxing entity.
- That documentation must be provided to relevant political subdivisions, which will use the information to decide whether to approve the program.
- In Caddo Parish, the commission may only use the P.I.L.O.T. program with approval from the Caddo Parish Sheriff, the Caddo Parish Commission, and the Caddo Parish School Board.
- In Bossier Parish, approval is required from the Bossier Parish Sheriff, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, and the Bossier Parish School Board.
- Once proposed approvals are in place, the Louisiana Office of Economic Development has 45 days to review the P.I.L.O.T. proposals and issue a decision to the local governing authority.
Intent:
To ensure transparency and require local approval before tax abatements under the P.I.L.O.T. program can be implemented by the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission.
HB499: Establishes penalties for persons exceeding the speed limit or breaching construction zones and utility work safety zones under active construction with workers on site (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Dennis Bamburg (R)
HOUSE floor amendment [LINK] The amendment lowers the minimum fine from $2,000 to $1,000 and sets the penalty range to $750โ$1,000 or imprisonment.
Increases penalties for motor vehicle violations in construction zones, utility work zones, and highway safety corridors when workers are present.
Key Provisions:
- Sets fines between $500โ$2,000 for speeding or entering construction or utility zones when workers are on site.
- Sets fines between $1,000โ$2,000 and allows up to 30 days imprisonment for violations in designated highway safety corridors.
- Defines โconstruction zoneโ and โutility work safety zoneโ to clarify enforcement areas.
Impact:
Enhances worker safety by replacing general fine multipliers with specific monetary penalties and potential jail time.
HB504: Increases the tanker truck registration fee applicable to certain trucks transporting liquefied petroleum gas (OR +$180,000 SG RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Kimberly Coates (R)
HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] temporarily lower the maximum fee until mid-2030, then allow it to rise afterward.
- Removes the fixed upper limit of $150 initially proposed for the fee.
- Sets a phased approach to fees: from August 1, 2025, until July 31, 2030, the fee limit is $100; after July 31, 2030, the fee limit increases to $150.
HOUSE committee amendment technical
Increases the annual registration fee for tanker trucks (1,000+ gallon capacity) transporting liquefied petroleum gas in Louisiana from $50 to up to $150.
Key Change:
Authorizes the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission to charge an annual fee of up to $150 per vehicle, up from a fixed $50.
Purpose:
Allows the Commission to raise additional funds to support regulatory functions related to liquefied petroleum gas transport.
Amends: R.S. 40:1849(B)
HB505: Provides relative to the repair and maintenance of privately-owned aircraft stored in leased or owned hangars in public airports or facilities
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Raymond Crews (R)
HOUSE floor amendment technical
HOUSE committee amendment [LINK] allows minor aircraft repairs only with airport approval and requires written permission from the hangar owner if the aircraft isnโt stored by its owner.
Authorizes FAA-certified aviation maintenance technicians to access public airports to inspect, assess, and perform minor repairs or preventative maintenance on privately-owned aircraft stored in leased or owned hangars. Allows aircraft owners to receive maintenance from private FAA-certified technicians within public airport facilities, while maintaining airport security and compliance.
Key Provisions:
- Work must comply with 14 CFR Part 43.
- Technician must be authorized by the aircraft owner or lessee.
- Technician must follow all airport security and access policies.
- Must present FAA certification and ID upon request.
- Must provide proof of liability insurance upon request.
- Effective July 31, 2025.
HB508: Restricts a parking fee exemption to Louisiana disabled veterans parking at cruise terminals for the Port of New Orleans
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Ed Larvadain (D)
Limits free cruise terminal parking at the Port of New Orleans to Louisiana service-connected disabled veterans only. Requires proof of 50% or greater disability and Louisiana residency. Applies only at Port-owned lots for up to 7 days. Clarifies documentation and public notice requirements.
HB519: Provides relative to the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless telecommunication device (OR SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Brian Glorioso (R)
Co-sponsors: Patrick McMath (R) Kimberly Coates (R) Dennis Bamburg (R) Stephanie Berault (R) Kim Carver (R) Jessica Domangue (R) Jay Galle (R) Troy Hebert (R) Chance Henry (R) Michael Melerine (R) John Wyble (R)
...and 6 more.
HOUSE floor amendments all technical one rejected
OVERREGULATION
- Prohibits using wireless telecommunications devices while operating motor vehicles on public roads unless the vehicle is lawfully stationary.
- Defines prohibited uses including voice calls (unless hands-free), texting, social media, photo/video activities, and any manual interaction with devices.
- Exceptions include emergencies, reporting hazards, stationary vehicles, hands-free GPS use, emergency personnel, and reporting crimes.
- Penalties in school or highway construction zones (primary offense): $250 fine or reduced fine with community service; doubled if a crash occurs.
- Penalties elsewhere (secondary offense, requires another violation for stop): $100 fine or reduced fine with community service; doubled if a crash occurs.
- Until Jan 1, 2026, violations receive only warnings.
- Law enforcement must have a clear view of device use to stop; cannot search devices or vehicles solely for this violation.
- Preempts local regulations.
- Requires DOTD and State Police annual reports (2027โ2032) on impacts of distracted driving.
HB524: Provides relative to fire departments and public safety departments or agencies entering into an agreement with group purchasing organizations
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: ๐ค Annie Spell (R)
Expands who fire departments and public safety agencies can contract with for purchasing by updating the definition of a "qualified group purchasing organization" (GPO).
Current Law:
Allows fire and public safety entities to contract with GPOs if the organization includes at least two relevant public entities and maintains fixed price lists (not public records unless part of a contract).
Proposed Change:
Adds "external procurement activity" (as defined in R.S. 39:1556) to the definition of a qualified GPO, expanding eligibility for purchasing agreements.
Expands options for fire and public safety departments in securing equipment and supplies through recognized cooperative purchasing networks.
Amends:
R.S. 38:2212.1(N)(3) and (P)(3)
HB554: Establishes a notice of voting restriction and a restriction code applicable to persons who are not United States citizens and aliens lawfully present in the United States but have not attained United States citizenship (OR +$338,048 GF EX See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Dixon McMakin (R)
Requires the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) to include a voting restriction notice and a restriction code on driver's licenses or ID cards issued to noncitizens who are lawfully present in the U.S. but not U.S. citizens.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibits OMV from issuing any driver's license or state ID to noncitizens unless they are lawfully present in the U.S.
- Requires that licenses or IDs issued to lawfully present noncitizens include a restriction code.
- Mandates OMV to send official correspondence to these individuals with a โNotice of Voting Restrictions,โ stating that noncitizens cannot register or vote in Louisiana and may face felony charges for attempting to do so.
- The notice must be translated into French, Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and any other language required by federal law.
- OMV must adopt rules for mailing the notices, verifying citizenship or immigration status, and assigning restriction codes.
- Requires OMV system upgrades to support inclusion of the restriction code.
- Includes a severability clause ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remainder still applies.
- Directs the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to imprint the restriction code on credentials once system upgrades are complete.
HB556: Reforms operations for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Last Action: Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-04
Author: ๐ฅ Ryan Bourriaque (R)
HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] require the DOTD to create a public online system to track projects and report delays and unused funds to the legislature. Shifts oversight to the House and Senate Transportation Committees. Directs DOTD to increase use of private contractors for highway maintenance but protects existing jobs from being replaced by prison labor. Adds rules to reduce delays from utility relocations.
HOUSE committee amendments [LINK] Replaces โproject managementโ with โproject deliveryโ throughout the bill. Shifts duties from the assistant secretary for project management to the chief engineer and a new assistant secretary for project delivery. Adds authority to develop a statewide project tracking system and allows use of state one-time funds. Updates legislative oversight, raises a project threshold from 0.05% to 25%, and removes or revises multiple sections to streamline responsibilities and improve efficiency in transportation project delivery.
Reforms the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) by restructuring leadership, expanding outsourcing, and increasing fiscal and project oversight.
Key Provisions:
- Creates the position of Assistant Secretary for Project Management to replace the Chief Engineer as the lead authority on project planning, design, and execution.
- Directs DOTD to annually seek full contracting authority from the Federal Highway Administration and mandates execution of service contracts by Jan. 1, 2026.
- Shifts key departmental roles (e.g., project oversight, plan approvals) from the Chief Engineer to the new Assistant Secretary.
- Prohibits DOTD from using Transportation Trust Fund or Construction Subfund monies to pay for employee salaries or indirect costs.
- Prohibits including non-construction overhead in the capital budget.
- Authorizes broad outsourcing of departmental functions, including labs, maintenance, and repair shops, with deadlines to privatize these services by June 30, 2026.
- Transfers oversight of non-federal-aid highways and the State Highway Improvement Fund to the Louisiana Highway Construction Authority starting July 1, 2025.
- Strengthens public transparency through mandatory weekly district reports, enhanced project tracking tools, and detailed reporting on project delays and unspent funds.
- Reforms the highway priority program to prioritize transparency and accuracy, sets a goal of 90% project execution accuracy, and subjects DOTD to legislative auditor review.
- Shortens contractor warranty period from three years to one year.
- Removes limitations on hiring consultants and authorizes broader use of design-build and progressive design-build contracts.
- Repeals statutes related to bicycle facilities funding and project planning lists.
HB580: Increase the penalties for operating a vehicle with fictitious plates and provides for specifications for temporary registration plates issued by dealers and the display of temporary registrations plates issued by dealers (OR INCREASE SG RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: John Illg (R)
HOUSE floor amendments [LINK] specify illegal actions, including operating an unregistered vehicle, improper use or lending of license plates, failing to surrender suspended plates, providing false information on registration applications, and using plates on unsafe or improperly equipped vehicles. The amendments clearly outline prohibited behaviors and associated responsibilities for vehicle owners and operators.
Expands regulations on temporary registration plates issued by vehicle dealers and increases penalties for the use of fictitious plates.
Key Provisions:
- Requires dealers to electronically submit detailed vehicle and purchaser information to the commissioner when issuing temporary registration plates.
- Increases the fee for each temporary plate from $4 to $20.
- Mandates the use of print-on-demand plates using approved paper/card stock, phasing out preprinted plates.
- Authorizes the commissioner to issue cease and desist orders to non-compliant dealers and report them to licensing boards.
- Updates display requirements: temporary plates must be mounted on the rear bumper or manufacturer-designated area and must be legible from 60 feet.
- Increases criminal penalties for using, selling, or possessing fictitious or altered temporary plates: fines of $100โ$500 or up to 6 months imprisonment.
- Adds civil penalties of $200โ$500 for individuals, dealers, or agents violating these provisions.
- Aligns temporary plate numbers with permanent plate numbers and allows for transfer of special/personalized plates between vehicles.
- Effective upon governorโs signature or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
HCR3: Amends the Department of Transportation and Development administrative rules relative to outdoor advertising
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: Nicholas Muscarello (R)
Amends Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) administrative rules related to outdoor advertising. It increases spacing requirements for outdoor advertising signs, prohibits stacking (signs placed one above another), and establishes conditions for maintaining existing stacked signs as nonconforming structures.
Key Provisions:
- Prohibits erecting new stacked outdoor advertising signs after July 31, 2025; existing stacked signs become legal nonconforming signs.
- Increases spacing of outdoor signs from 500 ft. to 1000 ft. near interchanges, intersections, and rest areas outside cities on Interstate highways and Federal-Aid Primary highways.
- Increases required spacing between signs from 300 ft. to 1000 ft. on non-freeway Federal-Aid highways outside cities, and from 100 ft. to 1000 ft. within cities.
- Requires damaged nonconforming stacked signs (existing before July 31, 2025) to be repaired only as single-sign structures.
- Prohibits issuing permits for new stacked display signs after July 31, 2025, while applying specific requirements to grandfathered stacked signs.
- Repeals previous rule provisions related to qualifying stacked sign structures and changeable message signs.
HB620: Establishes procedures to eliminate traffic congestion in neighborhoods surrounding certain schools in Shreveport, Louisiana
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-14
Author: ๐ค Tammy Phelps (D)
Requires the Caddo Parish School Board to implement traffic mitigation strategies around Caddo Middle Magnet and Eden Gardens Elementary Schools in Shreveport to improve public safety.
Key Provisions:
- Mandates the school board develop and implement comprehensive, cost-effective, and safe solutions to reduce traffic congestion, accident rates, and delays for emergency vehicles near the two schools.
- Restricts the following streets during school drop-off and pick-up times: Rainbow Dr., Hoover Dr., Terrell Dr., Babylon St., Palestine St., E. 73rd St., Bethany St., Liberty St., and E. 71st St.
- Requires use of remote transfer drop-off locations, such as the fairgrounds, with students transported by bus to school.
- Prohibits parents from circling the school parking lot during peak times; students must be dropped off in designated zones in front of the school.
- Instructs the school board to use existing traffic engineering studies to guide planning.
- Requires collaboration with the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments.
HR36: Approves the annual state integrated coastal protection plan for Fiscal Year 2026, as adopted by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board
Last Action: Read by title, recommitted to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-23
Author: Brett Geymann (R)
Approves the annual state integrated coastal protection plan for Fiscal Year 2026, as adopted by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board.
Summary:
This resolution formally approves the stateโs FY 2026 integrated coastal protection plan. The plan outlines Louisianaโs coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects and priorities.
Key Provisions:
- Confirms CPRAโs authority to manage and implement coastal protection efforts.
- Includes funding for associated activities such as dredging, land rights, maintenance, and regulatory compliance.
- Incorporates the Atchafalaya Basin Annual Plan as required.
- Verifies required public input through regional hearings and written comments.
- Plan becomes effective upon majority approval of both legislative chambers or automatically on July 1, 2025, if not disapproved.
HR40: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to study and take measures on the benefits of connecting West 10th Street in Reserve, Louisiana, to Interstate 10 to relieve traffic congestion
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-23
Author: Sylvia Taylor (D)
HB651: Creates Claiborne Parish Airport District No. 31
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-23
Author: Rashid Young (D)
Creates the Claiborne Parish Airport District No. 31 to take over airport operations and assets from local government.
Key Provisions:
- Creates a 5-member board appointed by local and state officials.
- District has full authority to operate, expand, and develop airport facilities.
- Gains control of all airport property, contracts, revenue, and debt after FAA certification.
- Can receive and manage FAA and state grants.
- Board may receive $75 per meeting, up to 24 times per year if parish agrees to pay for it.
- Must file annual financial report with Claiborne Parish Police Jury.
- Local government barred from interfering with district authority or disposing of airport assets without consent.
- Effective upon governorโs signature or lapse of time.
HB660: Provides relative to the annual registration tax applicable to trucks and trailers statewide (OR INCREASE SD RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-04-24
Author: Delisha Boyd (D)
Co-sponsors: Gary Carter (D)
Increases annual and permanent registration fees for trailers and semitrailers statewide. Do you think the people of Louisiana are paying enough in taxes and fees? They do. This is ridiculous.
Key Provisions:
- Raises annual registration fee for semitrailers/trailers from $10 to $15.
- Raises 4-year registration option from $40 to $60.
- Raises permanent registration fee from $70 to $105.
- Increases refund for unused trailer years from $10 to $15/year.
- Increases 4-year registration fee for light/farm/boat trailers (โค6,000 lbs) from $3 to $4.50.
SB45: Exempts purchases of motor vehicles by certain veterans and their spouses from sales and use taxes and the vehicle registration and license tax. (7/1/25) (RE DECREASE GF RV See Note)
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-05-06
Author: Patrick McMath (R)
Co-sponsors: Adam Bass (R) Gerald Boudreaux (D) Stewart Cathey (R) Royce Duplessis (D) Rick Edmonds (R) Michael Fesi (R) Franklin Foil (R) Cameron Henry (R) Katrina Jackson-Andrews (D) W. Jay Luneau (D) Blake Miguez (R) Brach Myers (R) Mike Reese (R) Larry Selders (D) Jeremy Stine (R) Kirk Talbot (R)
...and 11 more.
SENATE floor amendments [LINK] strengthen language for military honor plates and first sale applicability.
SENATE committee amendments 1&2 [LINK] limits to initial issuance and bars vanity and other special plates from inclusion except the military honor plates.
FISCAL NOTE says OMV will absorb setup cost and did not have a number on overall cost.
Proposes exemptions from certain taxes for honorably discharged veterans, retired veterans, and their spouses.
Specifically, the bill seeks to:
- Exempt the purchase of motor vehicles by eligible veterans and their spouses from state and local sales and use taxes. To qualify, the vehicle must be purchased within two years of the veteran's separation from service or retirement.
- Exempt motor vehicles owned and operated by eligible veterans and their spouses from vehicle registration and license taxes, provided the registration occurs within two years of the veteran's separation from service or retirement.
The bill mandates that the Louisiana Department of Revenue and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections establish rules to determine eligibility and administer these exemptions. The proposed effective date for these provisions is July 1, 2025.
HCR42: Urges and requests the office of motor vehicles to study the necessity of Louisiana state identification cards for citizens with Alzheimer's and related dementia diseases
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-05-08
Author: ๐ค Joy Walters (D)
HCR45: Authorizes and directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, through its office of transformation, to evaluate district alignments, maintenance facilities, and laboratory operations, including the establishment of a district construction engineer role, while ensuring continued project delivery during the transition
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-05-14
Author: ๐ฅ Ryan Bourriaque (R)
HR204: Urges and requests that the legislature establish the Louisiana Auto Manufacturing Fund
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-05-22
Author: ๐ค Joy Walters (D)
HCR68: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to study adding a third turn lane to the off ramp on Interstate 10 East on Siegen Lane
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-05-27
Author: Dixon McMakin (R)
HR220: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to study Geaux Pass toll functions, accessibility to the public, potential improvements to Geaux Pass customer service, causes for the delay in the commencement of Geaux Pass for the Belle Chasse bridge project, and recommend improvements for future projects
Last Action: Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.
Date: 2025-05-28
Author: ๐ค Jacob Braud (R)
HOUSE floor amendment [LINK] designates part of LA 39 as the "Lynn B. Dean Memorial Highway" and part of LA 46 as the "Henry Rodriguez Jr. Memorial Highway." Clarifies the location of the "Martha Ann Woods-Shareef Highway" on LA 20 in Lafourche Parish.
HOUSE committee amendment technical
Proposes to designate the Intracoastal Waterway Gulf Outlet Bridge on Louisiana Highway 47 in Orleans Parish as the "Vietnam War Veterans Green Bridge." The bill directs the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to erect and maintain appropriate signage for this designation, contingent upon receiving local or private funds covering the DOTD's actual costs for materials, fabrication, mounting posts, and installation, with a cap of $550 per sign. The legislation aims to honor Vietnam War veterans through this symbolic naming.