HB 429 adds theft or unauthorized entry of oil and gas facilities - including drilling, production, transportation, and storage equipment - as a specific act that qualifies as terrorism under Louisiana law. It directly affects individuals who steal or trespass at these facilities by making such acts punishable as terrorism, not just theft. The bill defines "critical infrastructure" to explicitly include oil and gas operations and sets a minimum 20-year prison sentence for terrorism convictions involving these facilities. This amendment changes the legal classification of such crimes, increasing penalties for offenses previously treated as theft.
This bill directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to investigate recent flooding on Highway 1 in Shreveport and includes the Caddo Parish Office of Homeland Security in the study. It requires that the findings from this investigation be added to the state's Flood Control Program. The legislation is a formal request rather than a law that mandates specific construction or funding changes.
This bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the Port of New Orleans to purchase extra backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge. The measure addresses past problems where burned-out motors caused extended bridge closures, which have led to traffic jams and disrupted travel between Orleans and Saint Bernard parishes. By securing spare parts, the Port would be able to replace failed equipment more quickly and restore bridge operations without long delays. The resolution does not mandate any action but formally urges the Port to take steps to improve the bridge's reliability and reduce traffic disruptions for residents and commuters.
HB 868 requires all trailers and semi-trailers under 6,000 pounds gross weight (when being towed) to have safety chains or approved safety devices securely attached to the towing vehicle. These chains must be strong enough to hold the trailer if the primary hitch connection fails, eliminating previous exemptions for farm equipment and other trailers. The law directly affects all drivers towing such trailers on Louisiana highways, mandating specific safety standards to prevent accidents from detached trailers. It updates existing vehicle safety regulations by specifying chain strength and attachment requirements under Louisiana law.
This resolution asks Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development to investigate whether closing one of several nearby on-ramps to eastbound US Route 90 Business in New Orleans could reduce traffic congestion during weekday peak hours from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The study will evaluate if limiting access during these times improves traffic flow and public safety without disrupting the corridor that connects downtown New Orleans to the West Bank. If the investigation finds a viable option, the department must submit a written report with its findings to the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works by March 1, 2027.
This resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study whether it is feasible to create a program for regularly cleaning and maintaining interstate highway signs instead of simply replacing them when they are damaged. The proposal highlights that routine maintenance is significantly cheaper than replacement and could extend the lifespan of signs while improving driver safety and navigation. If the study finds the program viable, the department would be required to submit a report detailing its findings to the House Committee on Transportation by January 1, 2027.
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.
HB 492 creates the Governor's Task Force on Impaired Driving to coordinate state efforts against drunk and drugged driving. The task force, operating within the governor's office, will include 21 members from state agencies (like law enforcement and health departments), community organizations (such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving), and at least one victim or family member of an impaired driving incident. Its key duties include analyzing data on impaired driving arrests and crashes, identifying evidence-based solutions like ignition interlock devices, and coordinating strategies across state and local agencies. The task force must meet at least four times yearly, with decisions requiring majority approval, and will be chaired by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission director.
This concurrent resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to send annual reports to the state's natural resources committees. The reports must include data on boating incidents, fatalities, safety stops, citations, registered vessels, and program spending. This request aims to monitor the effectiveness of boating safety measures and ensure that new legal standards for enforcement checks do not compromise public safety. The bill directly affects the state's boating safety agency and the legislative committees that oversee environmental and natural resources issues.
SB 251 establishes the "Louisiana Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2026" to safeguard critical infrastructure - including gas/oil systems, water delivery, telecommunications, power grids, emergency services, and transportation systems - from foreign adversaries. The bill prohibits companies and government entities from entering agreements that allow foreign adversaries (as defined by federal regulations) to access or control critical infrastructure, and bans the use of adversary cameras and laser sensors in Louisiana transportation systems. Companies must certify their access, conduct background checks on employees with infrastructure access, store data outside foreign adversary countries, and report cyber incidents to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, with exceptions only for unavoidable needs approved by that office. This directly affects businesses and government agencies operating critical infrastructure in Louisiana.
