HR 358 Louisiana House · 2026 Regular Session

RAILROADS: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to communicate with certain railroad companies to address abandoned and blighted railroads

This resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to talk with specific railroad companies about fixing abandoned and unsafe railroad tracks in several northwest Louisiana parishes. The bill highlights that old tracks and ties create hazards like tripping risks and soil contamination from chemicals, urging officials to work with local governments to remove or clean up these sites. The department must share contact information with local authorities and report its progress to the House Transportation Committee by January 1, 2027.

Issues: ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2026

Committee Review

House Passage

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced May 27, 2026 Last action Jun 3, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

HR358 Original → HR358 Enrolled · 5 edits · Jun 1, 2026

MODERATE

The bill was finalized for enactment (Enrolled) and expanded from a general request to include specific railroad companies (Kansas City Southern, Union Pacific, etc.) and detailed environmental hazards like creosote. It added mandatory requirements for the Department to create a contact list, consult with local authorities, and submit a detailed written report by January 1, 2027.

Scope change

The scope was expanded to explicitly name specific railroad companies and include associated structures, while the geographic focus remains on specific Northwestern Louisiana parishes.

REQUIREMENT

Added a mandatory requirement for the Department to create and provide a contact list of the referenced railroad companies to the listed parishes.

Added a requirement for the Department to consult with parish or city governing authorities to resolve problems with abandoned railroads.

TIMELINE

Added a specific deadline of January 1, 2027, for submitting a written report detailing discussions and railroad intent to resolve the issues.

SCOPE

Expanded the scope to explicitly name specific railroad companies (e.g., Kansas City Southern, Union Pacific) and include associated structures like bridges and tunnels.

DEFINITION

Added specific details about environmental hazards, including creosote leaching from wooden ties into soil and waterways.

Floor votes · House Jun 1, 2026

How they voted

94–0

Passed · 11 other

Total votes 105

Jun 1, 2026

D Democratic33

30 Yea 3

90% Yea

R Republican72

64 Yea 8

88% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Read by title, roll called, yeas 93, nays 0. The resolution was adopted.

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors