Transportation

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1174: TRANSPORTATION DEPT: Re-creates the Department of Transportation and Development

This bill re-establishes the Department of Transportation and Development in Louisiana to operate from June 30, 2026, until July 1, 2031. It sets a specific expiration date for the department and all related agencies, though it allows for the possibility of renewal before that deadline. The legislation also updates state laws to reflect this new timeline and removes a previous conflicting provision.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill re-establishes the Department of Transportation and Development, strengthening state transportation infrastructure oversight.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1200: CAPITAL OUTLAY: Provides for the Louisiana Rural Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)

HB 1200 establishes the Louisiana Rural Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program to help local governments and political subdivisions access federal grant money and secure loans for infrastructure projects. The bill creates a new state fund specifically to administer these loans and manage federal grants related to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, targeting projects like water systems and drainage. It sets specific loan limits based on population size, allowing smaller communities to borrow up to $150,000 while adjusting caps for larger areas, and permits loans to include necessary matching funds. Additionally, the legislation expands the list of eligible agencies to include the Louisiana Department of Health and clarifies that funds must be secured before assistance is provided.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes a revolving loan program to fund rural infrastructure projects, including drainage and water systems, which are critical components of transportation infrastructure.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1232: PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Provides relative to waterway projects

This bill updates Louisiana's laws to create a structured Waterway Assistance Program that helps local governments fund projects for dredging and deepening state waterways. It establishes a quarterly application process where parishes, municipalities, and port authorities can submit project requests to a specific office for review. A joint committee will evaluate these applications, hold public hearings, and create a prioritized list of projects based on available funding before the legislature appropriates money. The bill also creates a dedicated state fund to support these projects and clarifies that local authorities remain responsible for preparing project plans and managing construction.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds waterway dredging and deepening projects, directly enhancing transportation infrastructure.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1037: TRANSPORTATION DEPT: Modifies operations and certain positions within the Department of Transportation and Development (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill reorganizes the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development by creating new leadership positions and clarifying their roles. It establishes a chief operating officer to oversee project delivery and operations, a deputy secretary to lead an office of transformation focused on departmental improvements, and an undersecretary to manage finance and administrative functions. The legislation also extends deadlines for the department to implement reforms and pay vendors, while defining which positions are classified as unclassified versus part of the standard state service system. These changes aim to improve internal management and operational efficiency within the department.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill reorganizes DOT to improve operations, project delivery, and departmental efficiency through new leadership roles and extended reform deadlines.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1072: TRANSPORTATION DEPT: Reforms certain powers, duties, and responsibilities in the office of Louisiana Highway Construction (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)

This bill expands the authority of the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction to independently manage federal-aid highway projects and control the State Highway Improvement Fund without requiring prior approval from the Department of Transportation and Development. Key provisions grant the office emergency procurement powers, allowing it to issue emergency declarations and sign contracts for immediate infrastructure repairs, particularly for bridges in poor condition, while also enabling it to access various funding sources including state general fund allocations and interagency transfers. The legislation requires the office to submit annual reports detailing project status, scope, and funding to the Joint Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works, and extends emergency procurement authority until December 31, 2027.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands authority for highway construction office, enables emergency procurement for infrastructure repairs, and strengthens management of state highway improvement fund.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 22, 2026

SB 205: BOATS/BOATING: Provides for boat registrations. (8/1/26) (EN -$14,850 SD RV See Note)

SB 205 requires all motorboats, houseboats, and sailboats operated in Louisiana to display a unique number on the bow, issued through a state or federally approved numbering system. It prohibits operating unnumbered boats unless covered by federal documentation, a valid number from another state (for under 90 days), or specific exemptions like foreign vessels, U.S. government boats, or lifeboats. The bill updates Louisiana law to align with federal requirements for vessel marking and documentation. This directly affects recreational boat owners and operators who must comply with numbering rules to legally use state waters.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnforces federal vessel marking requirements, enhancing boating safety regulations within transportation infrastructure.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

passed · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HR 243: HIGHWAYS: Urges and requests that the parish governing authorities surrounding the Tickfaw River place safety warning signage on the river

This bill urges the parish governing authorities surrounding the Tickfaw River to install safety warning signs along the river. It specifically requests that these local leaders place signage to alert the public about potential hazards in the area. The legislation does not mandate the action but formally asks the relevant parish officials to take steps to improve local safety awareness.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill urges installation of safety warning signage along the river, enhancing public safety awareness for travelers and pedestrians in the area.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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passed · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HR 191: HIGHWAYS: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to study the need for and safety of mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs, Louisiana

This bill directs the Department of Transportation and Development to investigate the necessity and safety of installing mountable median curbs on Range Avenue in Denham Springs, Louisiana. The study will specifically assess how these physical road features impact local businesses and commercial activity along the street. By requesting this analysis, the legislation aims to gather data before any potential infrastructure changes are made. The measure is a formal request for information rather than a mandate to build or alter the road immediately.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill requests a study on safety improvements (mountable curbs) to enhance road infrastructure and assess impacts on local commerce.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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passed · Louisiana · House May 21, 2026

HR 206: HIGHWAYS: Directs the Department of Transportation and Development to complete the Louisiana Highway 16 widening project

This resolution directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to widen Louisiana Highway 16 from two lanes to four lanes between highways 1019 and 1023. The project aims to reduce traffic congestion for the approximately 25,000 daily drivers and improve access for local businesses in the area. Although funding was already allocated in the 2024 session, this bill formally authorizes the state to begin the construction work.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill authorizes widening a highway to reduce congestion and improve access, directly advancing transportation infrastructure.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Transportation

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