LA HB556

Transfers authority from the chief engineer to the assistant secretary for project delivery for approving highway plans, establishing evaluation committees for design-build contracts, managing consultant programs, and issuing right-of-way permits, while requiring consultation with the chief engineer on project planning matters.

Requires the department to maximize third-party contracts for highway maintenance, removing previous restrictions that limited contracting to situations where adequate employees were unavailable.

Increases liquidated damages for utility relocation delays from 0.05% to 0.15% per day of estimated relocation costs, and requires the department to consult with utility operators during project planning to avoid unnecessary relocations.

Mandates new transparency measures including annual reporting to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget for unexpended allotments, publication of project screening results, and a 90% accuracy goal for highway priority program timelines to be monitored by the legislative auditor.

Reduces contractor warranty requirements for highway construction from three years to one year, and transfers the State Highway Improvement Fund and non-federal aid routes to the office of Louisiana Highway Construction effective July 1, 2025.