Increases the tanker truck registration fee applicable to certain trucks transporting liquefied petroleum gas (EN +$90,000 SG RV See Note)
Summary
HB 504 amends Louisiana law governing permits and registration for tanker trucks used to transport liquefied petroleum gas, including anhydrous ammonia. Under current law, each qualifying tanker truck must be registered with the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission and pay an annual registration fee of $50. The bill raises that fee on a phased basis: from August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2030, the fee may be up to $100 per vehicle, and after that it may be up to $150 per vehicle. In exchange for payment, the commission issues a yearly registration decal that must be permanently affixed to the vehicle.
Impact
The bill directly changes R.S. 40:1849(B) by increasing the maximum registration fee for tanker trucks transporting liquefied petroleum gas and related materials. It affects transporters, dealers, and operators of tanker trucks with a water capacity of 1,000 gallons or more, while also increasing revenue available to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Commission and its dedicated fund account. The fiscal note indicates an estimated revenue gain of about $90,000.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been broadly supported. It passed the House overwhelmingly, 91-4, and the Senate by a comfortable margin, 32-7. The strong final passage votes suggest general agreement with the fee increase and the regulatory update, with only a small minority opposed.
Contention
No committee debate was provided, so the specific objections are not documented in the available materials. Based on the vote pattern, any contention likely centered on the higher cost to trucking and fuel transport operators versus the benefit of increased commission funding and regulatory administration. The bill’s phased fee increase may have been intended to soften opposition by spreading the impact over time.