HIGHWAYS: Designates certain portions of Louisiana highways
Summary
HB 129 is a memorial highway designation bill. It names a portion of Louisiana Highway 173 in Shreveport, from Elder Street and North Holtzman Avenue to Common Street, as the "Dr. Harry Blake, Sr. Memorial Highway." It also designates a portion of Louisiana Highway 3194 in Shreveport, between Linear Street and Legardy Street, as the "Virginia Green Evans Memorial Highway." The bill is limited to honorary naming and does not alter roadway routing, ownership, or traffic rules.
The measure also directs the Department of Transportation and Development, or its contractors, to erect and maintain signage for the two designations, but only if local or private funds are provided to cover the department’s actual costs for materials, fabrication, mounting posts, and installation. The cost for each sign is capped at $750. The bill was amended in committee to add the second highway designation and make technical changes, and it ultimately became Act 783.
Impact
HB 129 amends state highway designation law by adding two honorary memorial names to specific segments of Louisiana highways in Caddo Parish. Its practical effect is to require DOTD to install and maintain commemorative signage when outside funding is available, while setting a per-sign reimbursement cap. The bill affects state transportation administration and the local communities in Shreveport associated with the honorees, but it does not change the legal status, maintenance responsibility, or functional use of the highways themselves.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around HB 129 appears strongly positive and noncontroversial. The bill passed the House unanimously, 96-0, indicating broad support for the memorial designations. The absence of recorded committee testimony or opposition suggests the measure was viewed as a routine honorary naming bill rather than a policy dispute.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The only substantive legislative change noted was a committee amendment adding the Virginia Green Evans Memorial Highway designation and making technical corrections. Because the bill is limited to honorary highway naming and requires local or private funding for signage, there is no indication of disagreement over state spending or transportation policy.
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to study the feasibility of installing more safety measures and implementing new infrastructure on certain portions of Louisiana Highway 182
Authorizes the town of Golden Meadow in Lafourche Parish to designate certain alternative pathways along state highways for golf carts and low-speed vehicles
Commends and recognizes Film Louisiana for its contributions to economic development and designates April 15, 2026, as Film Louisiana Day at the Louisiana State Capitol
Requests the health profession licensing boards to work with the commissioner of administration to identify funds from their cash and cash equivalent year-end balances that can be transferred into the state general fund.