Transportation

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 723: MTR VEHICLE/MOTORCYCLES: Authorizes drivers of certain two-wheeled vehicles to proceed through a red light under certain circumstances

HB 723 allows motorcycle, moped, trimobile, bicycle, or electric bicycle riders to proceed through a steady red light at intersections with vehicle-actuated traffic signals (those controlled by sensors detecting traffic). To do so, riders must first stop completely for two full signal cycles or two minutes (whichever comes first), treat the light as a stop sign, confirm it is safe, and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. The bill specifically applies to intersections with sensor-based traffic control systems and does not change existing penalties for violations that cause injury or death, which include fines and possible license suspension. This policy directly affects cyclists and motorcyclists navigating intersections where traffic signals fail to detect their smaller vehicles.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAllows cyclists/motorcyclists to proceed through red lights with safety requirements, enhancing traffic flow and road safety under vehicle regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety Traffic Safety

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 566: APPROPRIATIONS: Prohibits use of state funds in support of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies (OR DECREASE RV See Note)

This bill prohibits Louisiana state agencies from using state funds for any programs or activities supporting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals. It broadly defines such goals to include policies aligned with international climate agreements (like the Paris Agreement), renewable energy incentives, electric vehicle programs, and methane regulations outlined in Louisiana's 2022 Climate Action Plan. Exceptions allow funding for federal compliance, pre-existing contracts, pollution reduction initiatives, and emergency spending unrelated to net-zero targets. The restriction applies to state funds for fiscal years starting July 1, 2026, and expires January 1, 2031.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesDefunds climate programs by prohibiting state funds for net-zero policies, including renewable energy incentives and methane regulations, directly restricting budget allocation.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly prohibits state funding for net-zero policies, renewable incentives, EV programs, and methane regulations from Louisiana's Climate Action Plan, directly defunding clean energy initiatives.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits state funding for net-zero emissions programs including renewable energy incentives, EV programs, and methane regulations, directly restricting environmental protection efforts.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationProhibits state funding for electric vehicle programs, a core transportation initiative under the bill's definition of net-zero policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Climate Change Electric Vehicles

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signed · Louisiana · House Jun 4, 2026

HB 868: MTR VEHICLE/TRAILERS: Provides relative to the requirement that trailers have approved safety chains while being towed by certain vehicles

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates safety chains for trailers under 6,000 lbs to prevent hitch failures, improving workplace safety for drivers and reducing accident risks.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates safety chains for trailers under 6,000 lbs to prevent hitch failures, enhancing road safety standards for all towed vehicles on Louisiana highways.95% confidence

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 487: MTR VEHICLE/VIOLATIONS: Provides relative to running red lights (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF RV)

HB 487 amends Louisiana's traffic code to specifically address a type of red-light violation: drivers entering a shoulder or turn lane to overtake a vehicle stopped at a red light without causing injury. The bill imposes a $250 fine for this offense, adding it as a distinct violation under existing traffic regulations. This change directly affects drivers who attempt to pass stopped vehicles at red lights, clarifying the penalty for this specific behavior. The bill does not alter penalties for other red-light violations or injuries.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill imposes $250 fine for dangerous red-light overtaking, enhancing road safety by clarifying penalties for a hazardous driving behavior.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Traffic Safety

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 856: TRANSPORTATION DEPT: Provides relative to Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Construction Phase Contract (EN SEE FISC NOTE SG EX)

HB 856 authorizes Louisiana's Department of Transportation and Development to use Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts for highway and bridge maintenance, repair, and construction projects. This allows the department to award contracts for ongoing work through competitive processes (either "low bid" or "best value" methods) with task orders specifying exact work, rather than bidding each project separately. The bill establishes procedures for issuing notices, requests for proposals, and evaluating bids, while requiring contracts to last no longer than five years and comply with federal rules for federally funded projects. This directly affects the DOT and contractors who may bid on these ID/IQ contracts for infrastructure work.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes efficient ID/IQ contracting for highway/bridge maintenance/construction, streamlining infrastructure project execution without funding restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Roads & Highways

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 429: CRIME/THEFT: Adds theft or unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization of theft at oil/gas facilities as terrorism with 20+ year mandatory sentences, increasing penalties and restricting defendant rights.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProtects oil and gas infrastructure (a core energy production sector) by classifying theft as terrorism, strengthening security for critical energy facilities.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly targets theft of oil/gas transportation infrastructure as terrorism, strengthening protection of transportation assets through criminal penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Oil & Gas

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 15, 2026

SB 55: MOTOR VEHICLES: Provides for clarification on the proper way to wear a safety belt. (8/1/26)

SB 55 clarifies how seatbelts must be worn in Louisiana vehicles, requiring drivers and passengers to fasten safety belts across both the lap and shoulder (not behind the body or under the arm) while the vehicle is moving. It directly affects drivers of passenger cars, vans, SUVs, and trucks under 26,000 pounds, excluding vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1981. The bill amends existing law to specify the proper seatbelt positioning without creating new penalties or requirements. This is a procedural clarification of current safety belt rules, not a new policy.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationClarifies seatbelt safety standards, directly enhancing vehicle safety regulations under transportation policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 13, 2026

HB 592: MTR VEHICLE/OFF ROAD: Removes the prohibition against utility terrain vehicles operating on parish roads without a designation by the parish or municipality

HB 592 removes the requirement that parish or municipal roads must be specifically designated for utility terrain vehicle (UTV) use. It allows UTVs to operate on any parish road as long as operators are at least 16 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and maintain liability insurance (matching standard vehicle requirements). Local governments may still post signage to regulate UTVs on public roads but cannot ban them without such notice. The bill explicitly prohibits UTVs from operating on interstate highways. This directly affects UTV operators, property owners, and local governments managing road access.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRemoves prohibition on UTVs on parish roads, facilitating access and aligning with transportation infrastructure policies by easing operational restrictions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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passed · Louisiana · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 447: DISTRICTS/ECONOMIC DEVEL: Creates the Avondale and Waggaman Economic Development District in Jefferson Parish

HB 447 creates the Avondale and Waggaman Economic Development District in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, covering the area along Highway 90 from the St. Charles/St. Bernard parish line to Lapalco Boulevard. The district will be governed by a seven-member board appointed by local civic associations and elected officials (including a Jefferson Parish council member), with no tax authority. Its purpose is to enhance economic development, improve infrastructure, and promote job growth for property owners and residents within the defined district boundaries through coordinated planning and public improvements. The district cannot levy taxes but may receive grants and enter contracts to fund projects outlined in its annual budget.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates economic development district along Highway 90 with explicit purpose to improve infrastructure, directly enhancing transportation infrastructure in a highway corridor.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 729: HIGHWAYS: Prohibits leaving trash cans in the rights-of-way of state roads

HB 729 prohibits leaving trash cans in the rights-of-way of state roads after the day of regular curbside garbage collection. It requires residents and businesses using curbside pickup to remove receptacles by the end of the collection day. Violators face fines starting at $100 for a first offense, increasing to $300 for third or subsequent offenses. Local governments responsible for maintaining state road rights-of-way may enforce this rule.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill maintains road rights-of-way cleanliness, preventing litter hazards and supporting transportation infrastructure safety and maintenance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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