House Bill No. [insert bill number] proposes to amend the structure and oversight of the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission by transferring it from the governor's office to the newly established office of multimodal commerce within the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The bill amends several sections of the existing law, specifically R.S. 34:5221(A), 5223(A)(1), (4), and (5), and 5224(D), to reflect this change. The commission will now be responsible to the office of multimodal commerce instead of the governor, and its powers and duties will be adjusted accordingly to ensure it advises and reports to the new office.

Additionally, the bill enacts R.S. 36:509(A)(4), which formally places the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission within the office of multimodal commerce. This legislative change aims to streamline the commission's operations and enhance its accountability to the DOTD, thereby improving the management of Louisiana's ports and waterways. The strategic plan and investment program will also require an appropriation agreement with the office of multimodal commerce rather than the governor, further solidifying the commission's new oversight structure.

Statutes affected:
HB1081 Original: 34:5221(A), 34:5223(A)(1), 34:5224(D)