House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes significant reforms within the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) by introducing the position of chief operating officer, appointed by the secretary, to oversee the assistant secretaries of project delivery and operations. This new role aims to enhance the department's efficiency and effectiveness. The bill also extends deadlines for implementing certain changes and for remitting payments to vendors and contractors from June 30, 2026, to June 30, 2027.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws by removing the requirement for the secretary to serve as the chief administrative officer, designating the deputy secretary for this role instead. It modifies the designation of the acting secretary in the absence of the secretary to the chief operating officer, who will also supervise the assistant secretaries and approve their personnel decisions. Overall, the legislation seeks to streamline operations, improve management of transportation projects, and enhance accountability within the DOTD.

Statutes affected:
HB1037 Original: 36:502(A), 36:505(A), 36:506(A), 36:508(A), 36:2(A), 36:6(C)