This week at the Capitol, lawmakers advanced several measures affecting transportation policy, workers’ compensation, infrastructure financing, and the legal climate facing Louisiana businesses. LMTA was actively engaged as key bills cleared committee and floor action.
Workers’ Compensation
- HB 456 (Chenevert) – Provides relative to claims for benefits under Louisiana’s workers’ compensation law. The bill was reported favorably out of the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee on a 5–1 vote and continues through the legislative process.
Transportation & Permitting
- HB 746 (Owen) – Provides relative to oversized trucking permits issued by local governments. The bill passed the Senate floor unanimously, completing legislative action, and now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval.
Natural Resources / Legal Climate
- HB 804 (Geymann) – Creates the Louisiana Energy Protection Act and would prohibit climate change‑related lawsuits. The bill was reported unanimously out of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and continues advancing in the Senate.
Public‑Private Partnerships
- SCR 58 (Carter) – Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to conduct a review of public‑private partnership (P3) contracting practices, prompted by concerns surrounding the Belle Chasse Bridge tolling scheme. While the Belle Chasse project is the focus of the resolution, LMTA believes all P3 transportation contracts should be viewed skeptically, given the long‑term financial, operational, and public‑accountability risks these agreements can impose. The resolution was reported unanimously out of the Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee.
