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HB 972

HIGHWAYS: Designates a portion of Louisiana Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish as the "Desert Shield-Desert Storm Veterans Memorial Highway

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roy Adams and 17 co-sponsors

Designates a segment of LA Highway 93 as the Desert Shield-Desert Storm Memorial Highway (Veterans); DOTD to erect signs funded locally up to $750 each.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 972

Summary of HB 972 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Title

Highways: Designates a portion of Louisiana Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish as the "Desert Shield-Desert Storm Memorial Highway" (with later amendments adding "Veterans" to the designation).

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a ceremonial designation for a segment of LA Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish to honor Desert Shield and Desert Storm veterans.
  • Provides a mechanism for signage to reflect this designation, funded by local/private contributions equal to the DOTD’s direct costs.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation Area

    • The specific portion of LA Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish is designated as the "Desert Shield-Desert Storm Memorial Highway."
    • The designated stretch runs from the intersection of LA Highway 723 and Wyman Road to the intersection of LA Highway 93 and Destination Pointe Lane.

  2. Signage and Implementation

    • The Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is directed to erect and maintain signage reflecting the designation.
    • Signage installation is contingent on local or private funds equal to DOTD’s actual costs for materials, fabrication, mounting posts, and installation.
    • The cost per sign cannot exceed $750.

  3. Amendment (as reflected in House floor amendments)

    • The designation was amended to read: "Desert Shield-Desert Storm Veterans Memorial Highway" (i.e., inclusion of the word "Veterans").

Who is Affected

  • Primary Impacted Entity: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), which would install and maintain the memorial signs.
  • Funding Source: Local or private contributions/monies, covering the DOTD’s actual costs for signage (materials, fabrication, mounting posts, installation) up to a maximum of $750 per sign.
  • Public Benefit: Citizens traveling along the designated stretch of LA Highway 93; veterans and the broader community—recognition and commemoration of Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Process:
    • If enacted, DOTD would implement signage after securing local/private funding to cover the costs up to $750 per sign.
  • Legislative Timeline (Action History):
    • Read and referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works (March 2026).
    • Passed the House on April 13, 2026 (final passage after amendments); title adopted; transmitted to the Senate.
    • Senate actions followed in April 2026 (records show reception and calendar placement).

Practical Considerations

  • The bill is limited in scope to a specific highway segment and a signage-related designation rather than creating new traffic rules or funding streams.
  • The design and placement of the signs depend on private/local funding, possibly affecting the timing of implementation.
  • The per-sign cost cap ($750) provides a clear funding ceiling for sponsors and the DOTD.

Conclusion

HB 972 designates a stretch of LA Highway 93 in Lafayette Parish as the Desert Shield-Desert Storm Memorial Highway (with amendments naming it the Desert Shield-Desert Storm Veterans Memorial Highway). It directs DOTD to erect and maintain memorial signage funded by local/private contributions up to $750 per sign, reflecting the designation and honoring Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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