HIGHWAYS: Authorizes municipalities to establish fire limits and to prohibit the storage, placement, accumulation, abandonment, or use of certain materials within the right-of-way of certain public structures

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alonzo Knox

Municipalities may set fire limits prohibiting storage and use of flammable, explosive, or combustible materials within six feet beneath state-owned or municipally operated bridges

Effective date: 08/01/2026.

Overall purpose

HB 864 authorizes municipalities in Louisiana to establish “fire limits” that prohibit the storage and use of flammable, explosive, and combustible materials directly beneath certain state-owned or municipally operated structures. The bill defines the terms and sets penalties for violations. It adds a new statute: R.S. 33:4741.1.

Key provisions

Definitions ( Section A )

Explosive: Any chemical compound, mixture, or device whose primary or common purpose is to function by explosion.
Combustible: A material capable of producing a usually rapid chemical process that creates heat and light.
Flammable materials: A material easily ignited and burning quickly (includes examples such as candles, bonfires, open flames, or any flame-producing devices).

Fire limits and prohibitions ( Section B )

Municipalities may establish fire limits and prohibit the storage and use of flammable, explosive, or combustible materials above ground within six feet or less beneath a bridge, overpass, viaduct, or tunnel owned by the state and operated by the municipality.

Event exceptions ( Section C )

The use or storage of flammable, explosive, or combustible materials may be permitted for events if authorized by the municipality.

Penalties ( Section D )

Willful and knowing violations constitute a misdemeanor.
Each offense carries a fine of up to $1,500, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.

Implementation note

Adds a new statute: R.S. 33:4741.1, establishing authority for fire limits and the associated prohibitions, definitions, exceptions, and penalties.

Who is affected

Municipal governments: Authorized to create fire limits and regulate storage/use of flammable, explosive, and combustible materials under specified structures.

State-owned/municipally operated structures: Specifically bridges, overpasses, viaducts, and tunnels within the state or under municipal operation are targeted for the fire limit rules.

General public and event organizers: Potentially affected by restrictions on materials stored or used under these structures; exceptions exist for permitted events.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was introduced in 2026 and has progressed through committee and floor actions as of the action history:

Passed favorable report from the Committee on Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs.
Scheduled for floor debate in mid-April 2026.

If enacted, the new provision would take effect as part of the Revised Statutes (R.S. 33:4741.1) and be applicable to applicable structures and municipal activities thereafter, subject to local adoption of fire limits and enforcement.

Notes for readers

The bill focuses on safety and fire prevention near critical transportation infrastructure by giving municipalities tool to restrict storage and use of flammable materials beneath key structures.

It provides a clear penalty framework to deter violations and includes a carve-out for events permitted by the municipality.

Bill