LA HB1037

Creates a new Chief Operating Officer position within the Department of Transportation and Development, appointed by the secretary, who will supervise the assistant secretaries of project delivery and operations

Shifts the "chief administrative officer" role from the secretary to the deputy secretary, while the secretary remains the executive head responsible for department policies

Allows the Chief Operating Officer (instead of the assistant secretary of project delivery) to serve as acting secretary when the deputy secretary position is vacant and the secretary is absent

Extends the deadline from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2027 for the department to implement comprehensive access permit process reforms and online application systems

Extends the deadline from June 30, 2026 to June 30, 2027 for the department to modernize project development and begin bi-monthly payments to vendors and contractors