Senate Bill No. 271, introduced by Senator Cathey, aims to establish a framework for issuing special permits for vehicles hauling grain and cotton on a specific segment of Interstate 20 in Louisiana. The bill enacts R.S. 32:387.9.2, which allows the Secretary of Transportation and Development to issue these permits, provided there are no objections from the federal government. The permits will be limited to operations during the harvest season, as defined by administrative rules set forth by the Department of Transportation and Development.

The bill specifies that vehicles with special permits will be authorized to travel on the segment of Interstate 20 between its interchange with US 165 in Monroe and its interchange with LA 193 in Delta, serving as an alternate route to US 80. This legislation is set to take effect on August 1, 2026, and aims to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products while ensuring compliance with federal regulations.