LAW ENFORCEMENT: Creates a Task Force on Utility Terrain Vehicles in collaboration with Louisiana State Police and other appropriate stakeholders

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chance Henry

Louisiana would form a multi-agency task force to study and propose safety regulations for Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) on public roads.

Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

Overview

HCR 106 (Louisiana, 2026) is a concurrent resolution that creates the Task Force on Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) to study the feasibility of implementing safety regulations for UTVs. The task force is to collaborate with the Louisiana State Police and other appropriate stakeholders and to report recommendations or proposed legislation before the 2027 Regular Session.

Purpose and intent

Establish a formal body to study whether safety regulations for UTVs are feasible and advisable in Louisiana.

Consider how UTVs, which can reach high speeds and be driven on public roads, should be regulated to improve safety.

Provide legislative recommendations or proposals to regulate UTV operation and safety.

Key provisions and changes

Creation of the Task Force on Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs).

Collaboration and membership:

Louisiana State Police (superintendent or designee)
Executive Director, Louisiana Sheriffs' Association (or designee)
Executive Director, Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police (or designee)
Secretary, Department of Transportation and Development (or designee)
Executive Director, Louisiana Highway Safety Commission (or designee)
Commissioner, Office of Motor Vehicles (or designee)
Commissioner, Department of Insurance (or designee)

Leadership and governance:

At the first meeting, members elect a chairman and other officers as needed.

Meeting schedule and duration:

First meeting by August 1, 2026.
Meetings occur every two months thereafter.

Quorum and voting:

Majority of members constitutes a quorum.
Official actions require a majority vote of the members present.

Compensation:

Members serve without compensation, but may receive per diem or reimbursement as members of their respective organizations.

Meetings and records:

Meetings are subject to Open Meetings Law.
Task force records are subject to Public Records Law.

Reporting requirements:

The task force must submit written recommendations or proposals for legislation to the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works and to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library prior to the 2027 Regular Session.

Who is affected

State agencies and law enforcement (participating members from LSU, sheriffs, police chiefs, DOTD, Highway Safety Commission, OMV, and Insurance).

Stakeholders involved in UTVs, including manufacturers, dealers, insurers, and users of UTVs on or off public roads.

The general public, insofar as any proposed regulations would impact UTV safety, operation, and road use.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Effective action: The resolution becomes active to form the task force once adopted.

First meeting deadline: No later than August 1, 2026.

Reporting deadline: Recommendations and legislative proposals must be reported before the convening of the 2027 Regular Session.

Format of report: Written report to the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works and to the Poynter Legislative Research Library.

Potential impact

Provides a structured, interagency approach to evaluating UTV safety regulation, which could lead to new Louisiana statutes or administrative rules governing UTV use on public roads.

Could influence standards for speed limits, equipment (e.g., lighting, safety restraints, roll cages), licensing, registration, insurance, and operator requirements.

Balances safety concerns with industry growth, given UTV market size and reported fatalities, by identifying regulatory options and their feasibility.