Transportation

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 714: RAILROADS: Requires local railroad companies to remediate or remove blighted or abandoned railroad lines and associated structures

HB 714 requires railroad companies operating in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, to remove or fix blighted or abandoned railroad crossings and associated structures within one year of the law's effective date or after a local authority declares them blighted. It also mandates that owners maintain underpasses by regularly painting and removing rust to prevent deterioration. The bill specifically targets railroad infrastructure in Caddo Parish, applying to both existing abandoned crossings and any that are later deemed blighted by local officials. It does not apply statewide or to other types of rail infrastructure.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates railroad companies to maintain/remediate blighted infrastructure, enhancing safety and preventing deterioration of transportation infrastructure in Caddo Parish.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Rail

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 849: HIGHWAYS: Provides with respect to highway sign maintenance (OR INCREASE SD EX See Note)

HB 849 establishes a statewide program requiring the Louisiana Department of Transportation to proactively maintain and repair interstate highway signs. The bill mandates regular cleaning, application of eco-friendly ceramic sealants to extend sign lifespan, real-time geotagged reporting of damaged signs, and submission of before/after photos for accountability. It directly affects the Department of Transportation and state/local highway maintenance agencies, applying to all regulatory (e.g., speed limits), warning (yellow diamond signs), and guide signs on interstates. Key provisions include safety protocols for maintenance crews, environmental considerations for cleaning methods, and requirements for detailed reporting to prioritize repairs and reduce long-term costs. The program aims to enhance road safety, improve public image, and achieve cost savings through systematic maintenance.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates proactive highway sign maintenance, eco-friendly sealants, and real-time reporting to improve road infrastructure safety and visibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

Track

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 647: PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Provides for application submission timelines for waterway projects

HB 647 amends Louisiana law to require governmental entities (such as ports, municipalities, or state agencies) seeking funding for waterway projects to submit applications on specific semi-annual dates: March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 each year. This replaces prior submission timing with fixed deadlines for funding consideration in the following fiscal year. The bill specifies that applications must include required information and comply with additional statutes (R.S. 39:101-128), directly affecting entities managing waterway infrastructure projects. The change streamlines the submission process but does not alter project eligibility or funding amounts.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires fixed application deadlines for waterway project funding, facilitating infrastructure development under transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Ports

Track

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 503: HIGHWAYS: Authorizes utility terrain vehicles to travel on the shoulder of certain roadways in Golden Meadow

HB 503 authorizes utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to operate on the shoulders of public roads and streets in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, specifically on roads with a 30 mph speed limit or lower (excluding Louisiana Highway 3235). The bill requires Golden Meadow’s town officials to adopt an ordinance permitting UTVs on shoulders, with conditions they may impose, and mandates UTV owners to be properly licensed, carry insurance, and register their vehicles with the town. Registration fees collected will go to the municipal general fund, and the law explicitly excludes golf carts and vehicles for disabled persons from this UTV definition. This bill directly affects UTV owners and operators within Golden Meadow’s municipal boundaries.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes UTVs on road shoulders with licensing/insurance requirements, enhancing vehicle regulation within transportation policy while addressing safety standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 846: MTR VEHICLE/LICEN PLATES: Prohibits drivers from obscuring license plates with coverings or films

HB 846 prohibits drivers from covering or obscuring license plates with films, coverings, or substances that reduce visibility, legibility, or reflectivity. It directly affects drivers who apply decorative films, frames, or other materials to their plates. The bill requires plates to be clearly visible at all times and sets fines of up to $75 for a first offense and $250 for repeat violations. This law amends Louisiana's vehicle code to ensure license plates remain fully readable for law enforcement and identification purposes.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits obscuring license plates to ensure visibility for law enforcement, directly enhancing transportation safety standards under vehicle regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 115: TRANSPORTATION/DEV DEPT: Provides for the Department of Transportation and Development to accept duties of the federal government. (8/1/26) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)

SB 115 allows Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development to assume specific transportation-related duties currently handled by the federal government, such as those under federal laws like MAP-21 and SAFETEA-LU. The bill enables the department to enter agreements with federal agencies, accept federal funds for transportation projects, and adopt necessary rules to carry out these responsibilities. It also includes a limited waiver of state immunity for lawsuits related only to compliance with these federal agreements, but does not create new liability beyond federal requirements. This bill directly affects the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and federal transportation agencies.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables Louisiana DOT to accept federal transportation duties/funds for infrastructure projects, directly advancing funding and management of transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 271: ROADS/HIGHWAYS: Provides for permits for hauling grain and cotton on Interstate 20. (8/1/26) (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD RV)

SB 271 creates special permits allowing vehicles hauling grain and cotton to use a specific segment of Interstate 20 between Monroe and Delta, Louisiana, as an alternate route to US 80 during harvest season. It directly affects farmers and transport companies moving these crops. The bill requires the Department of Transportation to establish administrative rules limiting permits to harvest season, setting weight limits, and ensuring compliance with federal requirements. Vehicles with these permits may travel that Interstate 20 segment only when federal approval is obtained.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates permit system enabling agricultural transport on I-20 during harvest, facilitating efficient movement of goods and aligning with highway usage policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Roads & Highways

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 776: PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Modifies the Port Construction and Development Priority Program (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 776 updates Louisiana's Port Construction and Development Priority Program. It requires port authorities to provide local matching funds (10% for standard projects, 20% for large, 30% for very large) before state funds from the Transportation Trust Fund can be used. The bill also modifies how the department contracts with entities like LSU's Ports Institute for project evaluation and mandates quarterly public hearings for project prioritization. Projects not funded in one year retain their priority and carry forward to the next fiscal year, with the legislature prohibited from adding new projects to the approved list.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires local matching funds (10-30%) before state funds from Transportation Trust Fund are used, promoting fiscal responsibility in port project funding.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires local matching funds before state transportation funds are released, ensuring continued investment in port infrastructure through Transportation Trust Fund95% confidence

Sub-Topics Ports

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 345: RAILROADS: Provides with respect to the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 345 expands Louisiana's Class II and III Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure projects at ports as eligible for funding. This change directly affects smaller railroads (Class II and III) that operate in or serve Louisiana ports, enabling them to apply for program funds to improve port rail connections. The bill adds a specific provision (R.S. 48:388.1(A)(2)(f)) allowing port rail projects to be included alongside other eligible improvements like track maintenance. These projects must align with Louisiana's Freight Mobility Plan and State Rail Plan to maintain efficient rail service. The program aims to enhance freight transportation efficiency at port facilities through targeted rail infrastructure upgrades.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state funding eligibility for port rail infrastructure projects, increasing budget allocation for rail infrastructure improvements under existing program.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExpands rail infrastructure funding to include port projects, directly advancing transportation infrastructure through increased eligibility for funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Ports Rail

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 685: PUBLIC CONTRACT/BIDS: Provides with respect to the procurement of public motor vehicles and rolling stock (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 685 would allow Louisiana state and local governments (including parishes, municipalities, and other political subdivisions) to bypass the standard Louisiana Uniform Bid requirement when purchasing public motor vehicles, rolling stock, or related equipment. Instead, it authorizes them to use procurement methods approved under Section 3019 of the federal Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), which streamlines vehicle procurement through cooperative purchasing. This change directly affects entities that buy public transportation vehicles by enabling faster access to federal funding and project-specific procurement options. The bill aims to shorten what the legislature describes as an "unnecessarily lengthy" procurement process for transportation assets.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationStreamlines procurement for transportation equipment under FAST Act, facilitating infrastructure projects without direct funding cuts or restrictions.85% confidence