SR 149 Louisiana Senate · 2026 Regular Session

RAILROADS: Directs the Department of Transportation and Development to study and review the proposed reactivation of the Norfolk Southern Railway originating at the Alabo Street Wharf.

This bill directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study the safety hazards of increased train activity at the Alabo Street Wharf in New Orleans. The study focuses on the Norfolk Southern Railway, which is being used to transport organic grain to a new terminal in the Lower Ninth Ward and surrounding areas. Under the resolution, the department must evaluate risks such as grain dust combustion and train collisions with vehicles, then submit a written report with prevention strategies to the Senate by January 1, 2027.
Bill status introduced 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced May 25, 2026 Last action May 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

SR149 Original SR149 Enrolled · 4 edits · May 28, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was finalized as an enrolled resolution, changing its status from a draft to an official legislative act. The scope was expanded to explicitly include grain dust as a high-hazard safety concern and to cite specific state laws authorizing the study. The requirement for the Department of Transportation and Development to submit a report was clarified to include potential prevention methods for community harm.
Scope change
The bill's scope was broadened to address specific safety hazards like grain dust and to reference specific state statutes regarding railroad grade crossings, moving from a general study request to a more detailed mandate.
REQUIREMENT

Added specific mention of grain dust as a high-hazard material and a potential environmental and safety risk.

Included a citation to R.S. 48:390, authorizing the study of railroad grade crossings to establish priorities for improvement or closure.

Updated the resolution text to direct the Department of Transportation and Development to review hazards pursuant to the specific state statute.

TECHNICAL

Changed the document status from 'ORIGINAL' draft to 'ENROLLED' final version with updated formatting.

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1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
SB
Sidney Barthelemy
DDemocratic
LA
3