Transportation

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 715: AIRCRAFT/AVIATION: Requires aerial applicators to carry radios and transponders while using a publicly owned airport or landing field

HB 715 requires licensed aerial applicators (those applying seeds, fertilizers, or pesticides) to carry federally compliant transponders (like ADS-B Out systems) and operable two-way radios when using publicly owned airports or participating in airport priority programs, specifically during takeoff and landing. This applies to all aerial applicators operating at public airports within Louisiana, with the equipment mandated for public safety and coordination of airport traffic. The bill also prohibits political subdivisions from discriminating against licensed aerial applicators using public airports and directs the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to inspect for chemical residue concerns. It does not alter existing airport safety rules but adds these communication and tracking requirements for aerial operations.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates safety equipment (transponders/radios) for aircraft at public airports, enhancing transportation safety standards per bill's stated purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 743: DISTRICTS/AIRPORT: Creates the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District in St. Mary Parish

HB 743 creates the "Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport District" in St. Mary Parish, Louisiana, to govern the Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport. The district, established upon approval by the St. Mary Parish Council and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will operate as a political subdivision with authority to manage airport operations, infrastructure, and financial matters. It will be governed by a seven-member board of commissioners appointed by the parish council, who will oversee airport planning, facility development, and acceptance of federal grants. The district’s boundaries align with St. Mary Parish, and it will assume responsibility for airport management currently held by local government. This bill does not impose new taxes or fees but reorganizes airport governance under a dedicated district structure.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates airport district to govern infrastructure, aligning with transportation infrastructure management per bill's purpose to operate airport operations and infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 223: CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of failure to test for alcohol and controlled substances resulting in serious bodily injury or death. (8/1/26)

SB 223 creates a new criminal offense for commercial motor carriers (like trucking companies) that fail to conduct required alcohol and drug tests on drivers under federal rules (49 CFR Part 382). If an untested driver under the influence causes an accident resulting in serious injury or death, the motor carrier could face fines up to $25,000 or up to one year in jail. The bill specifically targets carriers who skip mandatory testing for commercial drivers, linking their failure directly to preventable accidents. It applies to all commercial vehicle operators, including full-time, leased, and independent drivers, and defines "under the influence" as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enforces mandatory drug/alcohol testing for commercial drivers to prevent accidents, directly enhancing transportation safety standards under vehicle regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Freight

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 789: CRIMINAL/PROCEDURE: Provides with respect to the seizure of off-road vehicles (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 789 amends Louisiana law to establish procedures for seizing and forfeiting off-road vehicles used in reckless operation on public roads. It defines reckless operation (e.g., speeding, ignoring traffic signals, driving against traffic flow) and allows law enforcement to seize vehicles without a warrant if probable cause exists, requiring a court application within 72 hours. Seized vehicles must be sold at public auction, with proceeds distributed as follows: 60% to law enforcement for drug enforcement programs, 20% to the criminal court fund, and 20% to the prosecuting agency. This directly affects off-road vehicle owners violating operation rules and law enforcement agencies handling seizures.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances road safety by establishing seizure procedures for off-road vehicles used recklessly on public roads, directly supporting transportation safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 116: DISTRICTS/RAILROAD: Provides relative to the Northeast Louisiana Multimodal District

HB 116 creates the Northeast Louisiana Multimodal District, a new local government entity focused on developing rail infrastructure and economic growth in northeastern Louisiana. The district can enter contracts for rail facilities (including with freight carriers), create smaller subdistricts within its boundaries, and exercise powers similar to existing industrial and economic development boards. This directly affects communities within the district’s defined area by enabling coordinated infrastructure projects and economic planning. The bill establishes the district’s structure and authority without specifying funding or immediate projects.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates Northeast Louisiana Multimodal District focused on rail infrastructure development, directly advancing transportation infrastructure projects per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Rail

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signed · Louisiana · House May 27, 2026

HB 655: BRIDGES/FERRIES: Authorizes the Department of Transportation and Development to enter into contracts for the operation and maintenance of ferry systems

HB 655 authorizes Louisiana's Department of Transportation to contract with private companies for building, operating, and maintaining state ferry systems and related facilities. It allows the department to use cost-plus contracts (where costs are reimbursed plus a fee) without following standard procurement rules when the state determines it's beneficial. This change applies to all state-owned ferries and associated infrastructure across Louisiana. The bill aims to provide the department greater flexibility in managing ferry services efficiently.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes DOT to contract private firms for ferry maintenance, enhancing infrastructure management without standard procurement rules, directly supporting transportation infrastructure maintenance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Ports Roads & Highways

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 702: INSURANCE/AUTOMOBILE: Requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for transportation network company drivers

HB 702 requires transportation network company drivers (like Uber or Lyft drivers) and their companies to maintain auto insurance that includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage during all service periods. Specifically, the bill mandates this coverage during the pre-trip acceptance phase and while providing a prearranged ride, at the same bodily injury coverage limits as the policy. It directly affects app-based ride-hailing drivers by ensuring they have this coverage to protect passengers and others if involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver. The bill amends Louisiana's insurance law (R.S. 45:201.6) to clarify these requirements without changing coverage amounts or costs.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for ride-hailing drivers during service periods, enhancing passenger safety in transportation services per topic description.95% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 416: FUNDS/FUNDING: Provides for disposition of monies in the East Baton Rouge Parish Community Improvement Fund (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD RV)

HB 416 modifies how funds in the East Baton Rouge Parish Community Improvement Fund are allocated. It requires that 50% of the fund's annual balance be used for urban mass transit in East Baton Rouge Parish (without replacing existing transit funding) and the remaining 50% must support the Research Park Corporation. Any unspent funds at year-end stay in the fund, and all invested earnings go to the state general fund. The bill directly affects East Baton Rouge Parish by directing specific funding streams for transit and economic development.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates 50% of fund allocation for urban mass transit in East Baton Rouge Parish, directly funding public transportation infrastructure without reducing existing transit funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Transit

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 372: MTR VEHICLE/PUBLIC: Requires the office of motor vehicles to educate the public on the use of roundabouts (OR +$20,000 GF EX See Note)

HB 372 requires Louisiana's Office of Motor Vehicles to create public education materials about using roundabouts safely. The bill directs the office to develop written guides, brochures, online resources, and public service announcements for drivers. It directly affects Louisiana drivers by providing clear information on navigating roundabouts, which are designed to improve traffic safety. The key mechanism is the mandated creation and distribution of these educational resources, without changing road infrastructure or driver licensing requirements.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires public education on roundabouts to improve traffic safety, directly enhancing transportation safety standards per bill's mandate.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 438: CRIME: Creates the crime of unlawful operation of a commercial motor vehicle

HB 438 creates a new criminal offense in Louisiana for operating a commercial motor vehicle (like trucks or buses) without meeting federal safety qualification requirements. It directly affects commercial drivers who fail to satisfy these standards, which are defined by federal regulations (49 CFR Part 391). The bill imposes fines of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat violations. This law standardizes penalties for unsafe commercial driving practices under state criminal law.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnforces federal safety standards for commercial drivers, enhancing transportation safety through criminal penalties for non-compliance with 49 CFR Part 391.95% confidence

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