This bill amends several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) by introducing new offices and restructuring existing roles. Notably, it establishes the Office of Transformation and the Office of Project Delivery, which will now be integral parts of the department. The bill also reallocates the duties of the Office of Planning to these new offices and modifies the appointment authority for certain officials within the DOTD. Additionally, it removes the requirement for the assistant secretary to be a licensed engineer, allowing them to designate a senior staff member to fulfill their responsibilities.

The legislation assigns significant new powers to the secretary of transportation and development, including the ability to eliminate unnecessary positions and collaborate with other state agencies to enhance transportation infrastructure. It emphasizes the assistant secretary for project delivery's focus on privatizing services and functions. The bill also mandates the department to reform its access permit process and modernize project development by June 30, 2026, ensuring timely payments to vendors and contractors. Overall, the bill aims to optimize the efficiency and effectiveness of Louisiana's transportation and public works infrastructure management.

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)
HB528 Act : 36:501(C)(1), 36:502(A), 36:508(A), 36:2(A), 36:3(A)(2)