Louisiana House Bill HB998

Louisiana 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/14
• Refer: 3/10/14
• Report Pass: 3/24/14
• Engrossed: 4/2/14
• Refer: 4/3/14
• Report Pass: 5/12/14
• Enrolled: 5/19/14
• Chaptered: 5/28/14
• Passed: 5/28/14

Caption

Requires DOTD to supplement the manual on uniform traffic control devices to permit certain guide signs to appear in English and Louisiana French

Impact

The adoption of HB 998 is expected to positively impact state laws by formalizing the process through which local authorities can implement bilingual signs on state and federal highways. It solidifies the role of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana in approving Louisiana French terminology for the signs, enhancing the aim for uniformity and inclusivity in traffic communication. This legislation also establishes guidelines that ensure local parishes can adapt the uniform system to meet their community's linguistic needs without compromising federally mandated specifications.

Summary

House Bill 998 aims to enhance Louisiana's traffic control by allowing for bilingual road signs that include both English and Louisiana French. This bill mandates the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to develop a supplement to the existing manual of uniform traffic control devices, thereby giving parish governing authorities the power to request such bilingual signage. The initiative is designed to improve communication with a bilingual community and recognize the cultural heritage of French speakers in Louisiana.

Sentiment

General sentiment regarding HB 998 has been supportive, particularly among advocates for bilingualism and cultural preservation. Community leaders and local government officials recognize the importance of accommodating Louisiana's diverse population and view the bill as a welcome step towards inclusivity. Conversely, there's a cautious atmosphere surrounding the implementation details, mainly concerning the responsibilities and potential costs associated with deploying bilingual signage, which may lead to concerns over funding and compliance with federal regulations.

Contention

Discussions surrounding the bill did reflect some contention regarding the potential financial implications for local government entities tasked with the installation of these bilingual signs. Critics raised questions on whether this legislation could create additional burdens on local budgets, especially if community responses require extensive alterations in signage beyond the standard solutions proposed by the DOTD. Additionally, the need for federal approval of the proposed bilingual supplement adds an extra layer of complexity that could delay local implementation, leading to frustration among advocates eager to see these changes realized.