DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Pylant HB No. 961
Abstract: Provides that local governing authorities which receive more than 50% of its income
or revenue from traffic citations shall be labeled as speed traps, and requires the posting
of signs at the entry of the community or incorporated area of the speed trap.
Proposed law requires that any local governing authority which acquires 50% or more of its
income or revenue from traffic citations issued for violation of speed limit laws or speed related
ordinances be designated as a speed trap.
Proposed law requires the Dept. of Transportation and Development to create signs equipped
with blinking lights to post at the entry of the community or incorporated area that is designated a
speed trap. Specifies that the cost of such signs shall be borne by the local governing authority.
Proposed law provides that any local governing authority that fails to erect the speed trap signs
will not receive the money from traffic citations issued in that area. Specifies that the money will
be deposited into the state treasury.
Proposed law provides that if a local governing authority is suspected of being in violation of
proposed law, the legislative auditor, with the assistance of the Dept. of Public Safety and
Corrections, shall investigate the local governing authority. Requires the legislative auditor to
submit a report to the attorney general, and requires the attorney general to notify the legislative
auditor and the secretary of the department within 60 days of receipt of the report whether or not
the local governing authority is in violation of proposed law.
Proposed law defines "local governing authority" as the governing authority of a parish or
municipality.
(Adds R.S. 32:66)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways and
Public Works to the original bill.
1. Added the word "incorporated" to modify "area" to clarify that speed trap signage
should be erected at the beginning of the community or incorporated area.