LA HB297

Removes the ten-day deadline for public entities to publish notice of a public emergency in their official journal when bypassing competitive bidding requirements for public works contracts

Allows the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to undertake minor repairs, renovations, construction, or land/building purchases up to $1 million (adjusted annually by CPI) without inclusion in the capital outlay budget, subject to lieutenant governor approval

Restricts the department to short-term loans not exceeding one year for projects outside the capital outlay budget, with such debt being solely the department's obligation and not pledging state credit

Establishes the increased contract limit as a pilot program terminating August 1, 2029

Requires annual reports to House and Senate transportation committees by August 1st detailing projects, contract amounts, cost savings, time saved, additional revenue generated, and public benefits under the new contract limit