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 Reengrossed 2023 Regular Session Echols
Abstract: Provides for a La. Music Trail.
Proposed law creates the La. Music Trail, comprised of highways as approved by the Dept. of
Culture, Recreation and Tourism. Authorizes political subdivisions to request that specified highway
segments be included.
Proposed law creates the La. Music Trail Commission, which shall establish and administer:
(1)A tourism program that focuses 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, swamp pop, gospel and other
music throughout La.
Proposed law provides that the commission is composed of the assistant secretary of the office of
cultural development or his designee, the assistant secretary of the office of tourism or his designee,
and five members appointed by the lieutenant governor.
Proposed law provides that the office of cultural development shall promulgates rules necessary to
implement the La. Music Trail programs. 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 routes and signage over the next
biennium.
(2)The tourism marketing and promotion the commission will focus on over the next biennium.
(3)The qualified routes 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 official state
highway maps. Requires the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to develop the official logo. (Adds R.S 36:209(A)(10) and R.S. 56:1950.21-1950.26)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Change the appointing authority for five members of the commission from the governor
to the lieutenant governor.
2. Change one member of the commission from the byways and trails director to the
assistant secretary of the office of tourism.
3. Change the nature of the commission within the department from a policy making board
to an advisory board.
4. Remove references to music projects and payment of qualified expenses for music
projects.
5. Remove statutorily specified U.S. highways from the La. Music Trail.