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Committee reports bill to keep DOTD/port cruise terminal parking free for veterans
Summary
House Bill 508, presented on behalf of Representative Laverdaine and the Port of New Orleans, would codify free parking for veterans using cruise terminals; the committee reported the bill favorably after a Port representative outlined the prior COVID-era practice that grew into regular use.
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Senate Committee on Transportation and Public Works on Thursday reported House Bill 508 favorably after a Port of New Orleans representative described the measure as a continuation of an existing benefit for veterans.
Christian Rhodes, appearing on behalf of Representative Laverdaine and the Port of New Orleans, told the committee the bill "seeks to ensure that we as a state provide a benefit to Louisiana veterans." Rhodes said a prior measure passed during the COVID sessions had allowed free parking for veterans using cruise terminal parking, and that cruise activity has grown since then.
"This is to ensure that given the resources of all state agencies, we protect and provide that benefit to the Louisiana veterans," Rhodes said. The committee had one card in support and Senator McMath moved to report House Bill 508 favorably; the committee advanced the bill without objection.
Nut graf: The bill would formalize free parking for veterans at state-controlled cruise terminal parking managed by the Port of New Orleans; testimony said the practice began during COVID and has expanded as cruise activity returned.
Ending: The bill was reported favorably and will proceed in the legislative process. The committee did not record a roll-call vote during the hearing.
