Louisiana House Bill HCR140

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/31/11
• Engrossed: 6/1/11
• Report Pass: 6/13/11
• Passed: 6/16/11

Caption

Urges and requests the members of the U.S. Congress to oppose any legislation that will allow an increase in truck weight and size

Impact

HCR140 is aimed at preventing further deterioration of Louisiana’s already underfunded transportation infrastructure. The bill is driven by concerns that larger, heavier trucks would not only damage roads but also necessitate costly repairs and modifications to bridges across the state. The resolution references studies indicating that current truck sizes already do not pay for the full extent of the damage they cause to infrastructure, and increasing their size would exacerbate this issue significantly.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution No. 140 (HCR140) is a legislative measure urging members of the United States Congress to oppose any proposed legislation that would increase the permissible size and weight of trucks operating on interstate highways. The resolution highlights the potential negative impacts of such legislation, particularly relating to the burden on the existing highway infrastructure, which is already in a state of decline. It emphasizes the need to maintain safety and prevent undue financial strain on state transportation systems, which could arise from heavier trucks that cause more damage to roads and bridges.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR140 is overwhelmingly supportive within the Louisiana legislature, reflecting a collective concern among lawmakers about the safety and economic implications of increased truck sizes. The resolution's adoption in the Senate with a unanimous vote indicates a strong bipartisan consensus on the importance of opposing such federal legislation, driven by a shared understanding of the potential repercussions for both public safety and fiscal responsibility.

Contention

While HCR140 itself does not create or modify laws directly, it serves as a formal expression of the Louisiana Legislature's position against potential federal legislation that could undermine local infrastructure. The resolution does not highlight major points of contention within the legislature; however, it does suggest ongoing tensions related to federal mandates versus state-level autonomy in managing transportation policy. As the conversation progresses, there may be calls for more comprehensive approaches to address both infrastructure needs and safety considerations in the context of logistics and transport.