The original instrument was prepared by Michelle D. Ridge. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Martha
Hess.
DIGEST
SB 435 Reengrossed 2022 Regular Session Cortez
Present law provides relative to the La. Highway Regulatory Act, which includes provisions relating
to speed limits and driving on the right side of the road, overtaking, and passing.
Present law provides for penalties for a violation of the La. Highway Regulatory Act with the first
offense being a fine of not more than $175 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days, or both, unless
otherwise provided by law. A subsequent violation will result in a fine of not more than $500 or
imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that if a person operating a motor vehicle violates the
provisions of present law while on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, the fine shall be two times the
standard fine imposed.
Proposed law provides that the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge means the Atchafalaya Elevated
Expressway designated by Act 793 of 1989 as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge.
Proposed law provides legislative intent designating the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge as a highway
safety corridor and directs DOTD to take all steps necessary to implement proposed law including
but not limited to the implementation of camera safety devices and installation of additional signage.
Proposed law authorizes DOTD to install camera safety devices on the bridge, provides certain
parameters, and provides for rulemaking.
Proposed law provides for signage on the bridge to include speed limit signs, "Trucks Right Lane
Only" signs, and "Safety Corridor, Fines Doubled for Speeding and Other Violations" signs.
Proposed law provides for the number and placement of the signs.
Proposed law provides that the signs are in compliance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control
Devices.
Proposed law provides that no person shall be subject to a citation issued pursuant to proposed law
if a citation for the same offense was also issued by a police officer.
Proposed law provides for the creation of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Safety Fund and for the
management of money in the fund. Further provides for monies from the fund to be used to cover
expenditures of the department in setting up required signage and cameras. Changes pro rata
distribution from the fund to the parishes to proportional distribution based on the civil fines attributable to each parish.
Effective August 1, 2022.
(Adds R.S. 32:57(J) and 239)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways, and
Public Works to the original bill
1. Reduces the fine from five times the standard amount to two times.
2. Clarifies that the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge means the Atchafalaya Elevated
Expressway designated by Act 793 of 1989 as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial
Bridge.
3. Provides legislative intent.
4. Requires DOTD to implement safety measures including cameras and increased
signage.
5. Provides that no person shall be subject to a citation issued from a camera if they
were also issued a citation for the same offense by a police officer.
6. Creates the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Safety Fund.
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Finance to the engrossed bill
1. Provides for monies from the fund to be used to cover expenditures of the department
in setting up required signage and cameras.
2. Changes pro rata distribution from the fund to the parishes to proportional
distribution based on the civil fines attributable to each parish.