Louisiana House Bill HB428

Louisiana 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/4/25
• Refer: 4/14/25
• Report Pass: 4/15/25

Caption

Re-creates the Department of Transportation and Development

Impact

The passage of HB 428 would maintain the DOTD's authority and operations, thereby preserving the state’s ability to manage transportation infrastructure, road maintenance, and public transportation efforts. Without this legislation, essential functions of the DOTD would cease, impacting transportation services and economic aspects related to transport networks and safety. The bill changes the existing timeline, setting July 1, 2026, as the new termination date for the DOE if no further action is taken to sustain it in the future.

Summary

House Bill 428 focuses on re-creating the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) along with its statutory entities, which were set to terminate operations as per the state’s sunset law. This bill serves as a necessary legislative action to ensure that the DOTD continues its operations beyond the previously established termination dates. The proposed re-creation is scheduled to take effect on June 30, 2025, marking a critical date for the continuation of various transportation initiatives and programs under the department's jurisdiction.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 428 appears to be supportive among those invested in maintaining the continuity of Louisiana's transportation department. Those in favor argue that the re-creation is essential to uphold necessary services that support both urban and rural transportation needs. However, there is also an undercurrent of concern regarding the implications of the sunset law and the need for ongoing legislative attention to ensure the department is re-evaluated appropriately in future sessions.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the approach the bill takes concerning the statutory entities within the DOTD. Some concerns revolve around the perception that the statutory framework may not be adequately scrutinized before re-creation, potentially leading to unchecked operations without necessary reforms or evaluations. Critics might argue for a more transparent and rigorous re-evaluation process to ensure that all statutory entities are serving the public interest effectively.