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HLS 26RS-618 ORIGINAL
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 849
BY REPRESENTATIVE DICKERSON
HIGHWAYS: Provides with respect to highway sign maintenance
1 AN ACT
2 To enact R.S. 48:270, relative to interstate highway signage; to establish a program for
3 maintenance of and reporting regarding interstate highway signs; to provide for
4 purposes and goals of the program; to provide for the scope of the program; to
5 provide for required operational and oversight requirements of the program; to
6 provide for rulemaking to implement the program; and to provide for related matters.
7 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
8 Section 1. R.S. 48:270 is hereby enacted to read as follows:
9 §270. Interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program
10 A. The purpose of this Section is to provide a comprehensive statewide
11 program to proactively maintain and repair interstate highway signage in order to
12 ensure safe transportation, honor the many individuals in whose name portions of
13 highways have been designated, improve the state's public image, and reduce long-
14 term costs to the state.
15 B. The maintenance and reporting program shall be designed to accomplish
16 the following:
17 (1) Enhance roadway visibility and mitigation of driver uncertainty that
18 contributes to accident rates with clearly maintained highway signage.
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HLS 26RS-618 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 849
1 (2) Implementation of a regular schedule for cleaning highway signs and
2 applying a protective coating to reduce the accumulation of dirt, debris, and
3 emissions and extend their lifespan.
4 (3) The creation of a method for reporting real-time documentation of
5 broken, bent, or missing signs with geolocation data for accurate tracking and timely
6 response.
7 (4) The submission of before and after photographs, with embedded geotags
8 and timestamps, of signs for which maintenance is performed to ensure
9 accountability and transparency in the maintenance process.
10 (5) Safeguard infrastructure investments and reduce the necessity for
11 frequent sign replacement budgeting to achieve long-term savings.
12 (6) Support state and local agencies by providing access to precise,
13 actionable reports that empower agencies responsible for highway maintenance to
14 efficiently prioritize repairs and replacements.
15 (7) Provide highway signage that reflects pride and professionalism to
16 promote a positive state image for residents and visitors.
17 C. (1) The department shall ensure that the program provides operational and
18 oversight requirements designed to protect both the workers performing sign
19 maintenance and the public traveling on interstate highways during sign
20 maintenance. Safety protocols for each district may be established in cooperation
21 with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and may be tailored for rural
22 and urban areas that may require different safety and traffic procedures during sign
23 maintenance operations.
24 (2) In addition, the department shall consider the use of environmentally
25 responsible operating requirements, including the following:
26 (a) Sign cleaning methods and products that are safe for the signs as well as
27 the environment.
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HLS 26RS-618 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 849
1 (b) Sign coatings consisting of environmentally responsible ceramic sealants
2 which are designed to provide protection, enhance durability, and extend the lifespan
3 of signs, with an anticipated effectiveness of twelve months.
4 D. The maintenance and reporting program shall apply to the following types
5 of interstate signage:
6 (1) Regulatory signs that specify legal requirements for drivers, outlining
7 actions that are mandatory or prohibited, including signs that convey instructions
8 related to traffic flow, speed limits, lane usage, stopping, yielding, turning, parking,
9 and circumstances requiring special attention.
10 (2) Warning signs designed to inform drivers of potential hazards or
11 changing roadway conditions, typically featuring yellow backgrounds and diamond
12 shapes to ensure visibility and recognition.
13 (3) Guide signs that offer essential information and directions to assist
14 navigation, such as route markers and travel advisories.
15 E. The department shall work in cooperation with the Department of Culture,
16 Recreation and Tourism to develop and promulgate rules for the implementation of
17 the interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program, consistent with
18 the provisions of this Section and regulations regarding signage imposed by the
19 United States Department of Transportation.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 849 Original 2026 Regular Session Dickerson
Abstract: Creates the interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program to
enhance the visibility of signage, ensure continued maintenance, and provide for real
time reporting of damaged signage
Proposed law establishes an interstate signage maintenance and reporting program.
Proposed law requires that the program be designed to:
(1) Improve visibility and safety for drivers.
(2) Implement regular cleaning and coating of signs.
(3) Allow reporting of damaged and missing signs.
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HLS 26RS-618 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 849
(4) Provide accountability for the maintenance performed.
(5) Protect infrastructure investments and enable long-term cost-savings for the state.
(6) Support efficient prioritization of repairs and replacements.
(7) Promote a positive state image.
Proposed law requires the department to provide operational and oversight requirements for
the program, including working with the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections to establish
safety protocols for sign maintenance work.
Proposed law requires the department to consider the use of environmentally responsible
methods and products for sign maintenance.
Proposed law provides for the types of interstate signs that are to be maintained under the
program.
Proposed law requires the department to work with the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and
Tourism to promulgate rules for the implementation of the program.
(Adds R.S. 48:270)
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
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