(The Center Square) — A failed bill isn’t the end of a drive to increase permit fees on trucks in Louisiana, especially those overweight and oversize, after a report said doing so could help increase funds for road maintenance and repair.
The House narrowly avoided passing House Bill 660 to increase registration fees for semi trucks and trailers on May 14, but the measure was defeated by a large margin on May 28.
A report by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor on trucking permitting fees in the state was intended to provide information on truck permit fees in surrounding states, how they compare and what a change in fees could do to state revenue.
According to the report, the Department of Transportation and Development issued 197,217 permits in 2024, collecting $33.8 million in revenue. Research showed that truck weight and height allowance in Louisiana is among the highest, and the roads are in poorer condition than surrounding states.
“Increasing oversize and overweight permit fees could generate additional state revenue to help address the state’s estimated $23.9 billion backlog in transportation infrastructure needs,” said the independent auditor. “While Louisiana’s overweight single-trip permit fees are comparable to Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi, the oversized single-trip permit fees are low.”
Currently, the state’s overweight and oversized permit fees are not annually adjusted for inflation, and most truck permit fees have remained the same for several decades. An assessment conducted by the Boston Consulting Group in 2024 suggested Louisiana increase fees for direct road usage, including truck permitting fees.
“House Bill 660 is a bill designed to help rural roads and ferries. The increase has not been increased since 2002. It’s less than forty cents a day to make an impact on repairing our infrastructure,” said Rep. Delisha Boyd, D-New Orleans. Boyd and Sen. Gary Carter, D-New Orleans, introduced the bill to increase registration fees for semi trucks and trailers statewide.
The bill would have raised registration fees for trailers and sub-trailers from $10 to $15 annually. Light trailer fees would have increased from $3 to $4.50.
Several representatives took the podium to express their opposition to the bill. Many believe insurance and costs in the state are too high right now to increase registration fees on truckers.
“I appreciate what Rep. Boyd is trying to do here, but our citizens have been bleeding financially too much in this state for too long. Even adding a little bit is too much right now,” said Rep. Charles Owen, R-Rosepine.
Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn, R-Hornbeck, also opposed the bill on behalf of the trucking industry.
“Every time the trucking industry turns around, they are hit with more dollars. There is no way the trucking industry will be able to support this bill at all. I hope you understand.”
Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, who previously introduced HB480 concerning the Caddo-Bossier port, understood the intent but ultimately opposed the bill as well.
“Our trucking industry is suffering. We come down here every day and talk about all the trucking industries leaving the state. I do agree with the intent. We do need more money for infrastructure. But I think until we solve the insurance crisis in this state, we should show the respect for the trucking industry and not be raising fees on them at this time,” said Rep. McCormick.
On May 14, 61 representatives voted in favor and 32 voted against HB660, just short of the two-thirds majority needed for final passage. With a motion to reconsider, the House took a final vote on May 28. The vote was nearly the opposite with 32 in favor and 61 against the registration increase.
