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)]
HB 649 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Echols
Abstract: Provides for a La. Music Trail.
Proposed law creates the La. Music Trail, comprised of specified U.S. highways and additional
highways as approved by the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.
Proposed law creates the La. Music Trail Commission, which shall establish and administer:
(1)A tourism program based on music projects that focus on highlighting music stories and
related dynamics on the designated music highways.
(2)A signage program that captures the stories, biographies, and points of interest in blues, rock
and roll, jazz, rockabilly, soul, hip hop, opera, country, zydeco, and gospel music throughout
Louisiana.
Proposed law provides that the commission is composed of the assistant secretary of the office of
cultural development, the byways and trails director, and five members appointed by the governor.
Proposed law provides that the office of cultural development shall promulgates rules necessary to
implement the La. Music Trail programs, including rules that provide for the payment of qualified
expenses for a music project. Authorizes the commission to accept, receive, and use funds, services,
and other property donated, bequeathed, or devised for any purpose relating to its activities.
Proposed law requires the commission to submit a report by Dec. 31st of each even-numbered year
to the governor and the legislature. Requires that the report include:
(1)The commission's goals for increasing the number of music projects and signage over the
next biennium.
(2)The economic development opportunities the commission will focus on over the next
biennium.
(3)The qualified expenses approved by the commission during the biennium for which the
report is being made.
Proposed law requires the Dept. of Transportation and Development to erect appropriate signs along
the La. Music Trail and authorizes the department to identify designated highways on any official state highway maps. Requires the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to develop the official
logo.
(Adds R.S 36:209(D)(4) and R.S. 56:1950.21-1950.26)