6/28/04-A bill that would have required all drivers in Louisiana to travel at a minimum speed on interstate highways has died.
The Senate Transportation, Highway and Public Safety Committee failed to approve the measure before the session ended June 21, effectively killing it for the year. The bill passed the House 90-10 in April.
HB273, sponsored by Rep. Pete Schneider, R-Slidell, sought to set a minimum speed of 55 mph in locations where the speed limit is 70 mph. In areas where the maximum speed is 60 mph, the minimum speed would have been set at 45 mph. Any place along an interstate highway where the maximum posted limit is less than 60 mph, the minimum speed would have been 15 mph less than the maximum posted speed.
Under the proposal, slowpokes would have received a fine up to $175 and/or 30 days in jail. Repeat offenders could have faced a fine up to $500 and/or 90 days in jail.

5/4/04-The House voted in favor of a proposal by Rep. Pete Schneider, R-Slidell, which would require all drivers to travel at a minimum speed on the state’s interstate highways.
Representatives approved the bill 90-10 on April 29. The bill’s next stop is the Senate.
Under HB273, in locations where the speed limit is 70 mph, a minimum speed of 55 mph would be set, and in areas where the maximum speed is 60 mph, the minimum speed would be 45 mph. Any place along an interstate highway where the maximum posted limit is less than 60 mph, the minimum speed would be 15 mph less than the maximum posted speed.
If signed into law, violators could face a fine up to $175, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Repeat offenders could face a fine as much as $500, up to 90 days in jail, or both.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.

4/16/04-A bill before the House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee would require all drivers to travel at least 50 mph on interstate highways where the speed limit is posted at 70 mph.
HB273, sponsored by Rep. Pete Schneider, R-Slidell, would not apply to areas of the interstate system in Louisiana where the posted speed is less than 70 mph. Schneider said he would like to see a maximum 20 mph differential for traveling on interstates and would probably amend his bill to do that.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

3/22/04-Rep. Pete Schneider, R-Slidell, has filed a proposal to require all drivers to travel at least 50 mph on interstate highways where the speed limit is posted at 70 mph.
Schneider told The Times-Picayune the bill – HB273 – does not apply to other areas of the interstate system in Louisiana where the posted speed is less than 70. Schneider said he would like to see a 20 mph differential for traveling on interstates and would probably amend his bill to do that.
State lawmakers will likely consider the proposal once they converge in Baton Rouge March 29 for the start of the legislative session, which runs until late June.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.