6/21/06-The Legislature approved an amended version of HB240 without a provision to increase speed limits for all vehicles to 75 mph – up from the current 70 mph. Another provision that was dropped from the bill would have allowed the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to raise the speed limit on some other four-lane roads from 65 mph to 70 mph. Some two-lane roads would have had speed limits increased from 55 mph to 65 mph.

6/12/06-The Senate unanimously approved a bill June 8 that would allow for increases to speed limits on the state’s interstates and other highways. The measure now heads back to the House where it is expected to be opposed by its chief sponsor.
Sponsored by Rep. Hunter Greene, R-Baton Rouge, HB240 would increase the speed limit for all vehicles to 75 mph – up from the current 70 mph. It also would allow the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to raise the speed limit on some other four-lane roads from 65 mph to 70 mph. Some two-lane roads would have speed limits increased from 55 mph to 65 mph.
The speed boosts were added to a bill on the Senate floor.
Greene said he will ask his colleagues in the House to send the bill to a compromise committee to look at the safety issues involved.
Another provision added to the bill would allow drivers of passenger vehicles impeding the flow of traffic to drive on the shoulder of a highway or interstate until the other vehicles pass. The rule would apply only on highways with paved shoulders.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.
A similar Senate bill – SB158 – also is in the House.