House Bill No. 286, introduced by Representative Braud, proposes a toll exemption for residents of parishes with a population of less than 25,000, as determined by the latest federal decennial census, specifically for those living in areas where a public-private partnership project for bridge replacement is entirely located. The bill allows these residents to cross the public-private partnership project bridge without paying tolls, provided they purchase an exempt toll tag and present a certificate of motor vehicle registration along with proof of residency, which can be demonstrated through various documents such as a Louisiana driver's license, a valid homestead exemption, or a current voter registration card.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Transportation and Development establish rules and regulations to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of these provisions. The proposed law aims to facilitate easier access for residents in smaller parishes to essential infrastructure while promoting the use of public-private partnerships for bridge projects.