House Bill No. [insert number] proposes significant amendments to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) by introducing the Office of Transformation and the Office of Project Delivery, while eliminating the Office of Planning and the Chief Engineer position. The bill designates the governor as the appointing authority for the Deputy Secretary, who will oversee the new Office of Transformation. It also expands the powers and duties of the Secretary of Transportation and Development, allowing for the elimination of unnecessary positions and the ability to enter into agreements with other state agencies to enhance transportation infrastructure.

Additionally, the bill removes the requirement for the assistant secretary to be a licensed engineer, permitting them to designate a senior staff member to fulfill their duties. It shifts the department's focus from "planning" to "project delivery," ensuring that responsibilities related to federal rail safety programs are maintained within the Office of Project Delivery. The new Office of Transformation will implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency, including the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the reform of the access permit process. The bill aims to streamline DOTD operations and improve the effectiveness of transportation and public works services in Louisiana by modernizing project development and ensuring timely payments to vendors and contractors by June 30, 2026.

Statutes affected:
HB528 Original: 36:501(B), 36:502(A), 36:504(A)(2), 36:506(A), 36:508(A), 36:2(A), 36:3(A)(2)
HB528 Reengrossed: 36:501(C)(1), 36:502(A), 36:508(A), 36:2(A), 36:3(A)(2)
HB528 Re-Reengrossed: 36:501(C)(1), 36:502(A), 36:508(A), 36:2(A), 36:3(A)(2)
HB528 Enrolled: 36:501(C)(1), 36:502(A), 36:508(A), 36:2(A), 36:3(A)(2)