House Bill No. 720, introduced by Representative Riser, amends existing law regarding the tacit dedication of public roadways in Louisiana. The bill clarifies that once a roadway has been maintained by a parish or municipality for a period of four years or more, it is presumed to be publicly dedicated unless formally revoked by the governing authority. The legislation also establishes that any public works or improvements made within the right-of-way of these tacitly dedicated roads remain public and subject to public use until the dedication is revoked. Additionally, it specifies that such roads and their rights-of-way cannot be sold privately by adjoining landowners.

The bill further outlines the process for disposing of roads or properties originally donated or tacitly dedicated to a local governing authority, ensuring that the property reverts to the original donor or their heirs unless they respond to a notice of intent to dispose of the property. The provisions of this act are intended to be remedial, procedural, and interpretive of existing law, with both prospective and retroactive applications. The amendments aim to protect public access to roadways and related public works, reinforcing the public's right to use these facilities.

Statutes affected:
HB720 Original: 48:491(B)(1)
HB720 Engrossed: 48:491(B)(1)
HB720 Reengrossed: 48:491(B)(1)