Senate Bill No. 514, introduced by Senator Owen, amends and reenacts specific provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statutes regarding the aeronautic activities of the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The bill transfers the responsibilities for supervising and directing aeronautic activities from the secretary of DOTD to the commissioner of the newly established office of multimodal commerce. Additionally, it shifts the authority over aircraft registration, identification, equipment, and enforcement from the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to the DOTD's office of multimodal commerce. The bill also updates the language to reflect these changes, replacing references to the secretary with the commissioner.

Furthermore, the bill retains the department's powers and duties related to aeronautics while removing specific provisions concerning air instruction and air marking. It eliminates the requirement for the department to prescribe rules and regulations regarding the curriculum, equipment, personnel, and management of air instruction, as well as the provisions aimed at protecting the health and safety of student aviators. The bill maintains the authority to regulate nonfederal air-navigation facilities and the establishment, location, maintenance, and operation of air beacons. The proposed changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB514 Original: 2:6(A)