The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Archana D. Cadge.
DIGEST
SB 44 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Pope
Present law allows for the secretary or his designee, when they believe expedient, to designate
adequate shoulders on any highway in the state highway system as high-occupancy vehicle (HOV)
lanes.
Proposed law provides for the removal of the requirement of the secretary to factor in appropriate
travel time savings and increase in the total number of people moved through a highway corridor
with high levels of travel demand and traffic congestion, when designating a shoulder as an HOV
lane.
Present law provides for the definition of HOV. Proposed law retains present law and removes the
term ridesharing from the definition. Proposed law further makes technical changes.
Present law defines HOV lane. Proposed law further defines HOV lane to include adequate shoulders
of lanes designated for use as HOV lanes by the secretary or designee. Proposed law further makes
technical changes. Proposed law adds to the definition of vehicles able to use an HOV lane to
include an authorized emergency vehicle, or any other vehicle operated by the department or its
agents as authorized by the secretary through promulgated rules and regulations.
Present law provides the department shall promulgate rules and regulations related to enforcement
and penalties of the HOV lanes. Proposed law adds authorized use to the scope of rulemaking
authority granted to the department.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 47:820.5.9(B)(intro para), 820.5.9(B)(1), (D), and (E) and R.S. 48:345)