Louisiana House Bill HB346

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/17
• Refer: 3/31/17
• Refer: 4/10/17

Caption

(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Transportation Trust Fund monies from being used by state police for traffic control purposes and limits annual appropriations to other transportation programs (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)

Impact

If passed, HB 346 would significantly alter how the Transportation Trust Fund operates by restricting its appropriated funds. As the current constitutional framework allows TTF funds to be used broadly—including for traffic control by state police—the proposed change would mean that funds can only be used for established transportation programs, which could lead to a reallocation of state resources and a tighter focus on infrastructure development. It may also lead to a more predictable budgeting process directly linked to actual tax revenues from fuel sales, creating fiscal accountability.

Summary

House Bill 346, presented by Representative Henry, proposes a constitutional amendment to the State of Louisiana that prohibits the use of the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) monies by state police for traffic control purposes. This fund is derived from state taxes levied on gasoline and motor fuels, and is primarily allocated for the maintenance and construction of roads, bridges, and other transportation-related infrastructure projects. The bill aims to streamline the funding process and restrict the use of these funds by enforcing stricter limitations on appropriations to other transportation programs, aligning them solely with the revenues collected from fuel sales.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around HB 346 appears to be cautiously supportive, particularly among those who advocate for effective and dedicated use of transportation funds. There is a significant degree of concern, however, from those who depend on state police funding for traffic enforcement and safety measures. This bill could likely lead to debates over public safety versus infrastructure needs, balancing state priorities amid varying community expectations of the role of law enforcement in traffic regulation.

Contention

Key points of contention arise regarding the potential impact of restricting state police access to TTF funds. Supporters of the bill argue that it will ensure that resources are focused strictly on essential infrastructure projects, while opponents express worry that removing state police's funding could hinder traffic safety efforts. There is also concern from various stakeholders about whether this amendment adequately addresses the needs of both transportation development and public safety, and if the necessary balance can be maintained without compromising either aspect.