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HB 873

MTR VEHICLE/DRIVER LIC: Authorizes a supplemental fee to fund pursuit intervention technology (EG INCREASE SG RV See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Doyle Boudreaux and 11 co-sponsors

Louisiana creates a Pursuit Safety and Officer Technology Fund funded by a $2 per applicable license/endorsement, to grant tech and training for pursuit intervention.

Read by title, ordered engrossed, recommitted to the Committee on Appropriations.
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Bill Summary · HB 873

Summary of HB 873 (Louisiana, 2026 Regular Session)

Key purpose

HB 873 establishes a dedicated funding mechanism to support pursuit intervention technology and related law enforcement training. It creates the Pursuit Safety and Officer Technology Fund Account and requires supplemental fees on various driver’s license applications/renewals to fund this account. The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Criminal Justice (LCLE&ACJ) would administer grants for technology purchases and training, with administrative costs not to exceed 5% of the annual fund balance.

What the bill would do

  • Create a new dedicated fund:

    • Name: Pursuit Safety and Officer Technology Fund Account (a special fund in the state treasury).
    • Purpose: 1) Grants to state, parish, and municipal agencies for pursuit intervention technology (e.g., GPS tracking projectiles, remote-deployment tire deflation devices, vehicle-tethering systems). 2) Grants for statewide training programs on safe deployment of pursuit intervention devices/technology. 3) Administrative costs for LCLE&ACJ related to the grant program (not to exceed 5% of the annual fund balance).
    • Funding mechanism: The treasurer would transfer into the account an amount equal to the monies generated by the supplemental pursuit safety fees described below.

  • Impose supplemental pursuit safety fees:

    • A supplemental fee would be added to certain driver’s license-related fees (the fee would go to the new fund). The exact amounts change the base license fees and add $2 to the Pursuit Safety and Officer Technology Fund per applicable license class or endorsement.
    • Affected licenses and adjustments (highlights):
    • Class D (non–New Orleans residents): Basic license fee increases from $42.75 to $44.75; $2 of the fee goes to the Pursuit Safety and Officer Technology Fund.
    • New Orleans residents, Class D: Increases from $54.15 to $56.15; $2 to the new fund.
    • Emergency vehicle endorsement: Increases from $7.50 to $9.50; $2 to the new fund.
    • Class E (non–New Orleans residents): Basic license fee increases from $20.25 to $22.25; $2 to the new fund.
    • New Orleans residents, Class E: Increases from $20.25 to $22.25; $2 to the new fund.
    • Class A, B, C licenses: Basic fee increases from $61.50 to $63.50 (non–New Orleans); $2 to the new fund.
    • New Orleans residents, Class A, B, C: Increases from $76.50 to $78.50; $2 to the new fund.
    • Motorcycle/motor scooter endorsements: Fee for endorsement increases from $12 to $14; if license is <6 years, from $6 to $8; $2 to the new fund.
    • Effective date: July 1, 2026.

  • Administration and oversight:

    • The LCLE&ACJ would administer the grant program and training initiatives funded by the new account.
    • Administrative costs charged to the fund would be capped at 5% of the annual balance of the fund.

Who is affected

  • Louisiana drivers applying for or renewing licenses ( Classes A–D, E, and endorsements, including motorcycle endorsements) will see higher base license fees, with a targeted $2 per qualifying license/endorsement directed to the Pursuit Safety and Officer Technology Fund.
  • New Orleans residents with certain license classes will see higher base fees as described, with the supplemental $2 directed to the new fund.
  • Local, state, and parish law enforcement agencies could receive grants for pursuit intervention technologies and related training.
  • The state treasury and the LCLE&ACJ would handle administration, grantmaking, and training program implementation.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Effective date: July 1, 2026.
  • The bill amends several sections of R.S. 32 and enacts R.S. 32:402.4 to create and fund the account.
  • It includes a funding mechanism contingent on compliance with constitutional requirements related to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund and appropriations processes.

Financial and programmatic impact (summary)

  • Introduces a dedicated funding stream for pursuit intervention technology and related training.
  • Distributes revenue to a specialized fund that supports technology acquisition, training, and administrative costs (capped at 5%).
  • Increases several license fees across license classes and endorsements by small amounts, with most of the incremental revenue earmarked for the new fund.

This bill would, if enacted, provide a structured funding pathway for deployment and training of pursuit intervention tech intended to enhance officer safety and public safety during vehicle pursuits. It does not by itself mandate specific technologies beyond allowing grants for items like GPS projectiles, tire deflation devices, and vehicle tethering, but sets up the funding to support such tools and associated training.

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

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