BOATS/BOATING: Provides for parishes to designate no-wake zones on state waterways. (8/1/25)
What changed between versions
New statutory language defines specific "no-wake" zones as areas where vessels must operate at bare steerage speed within 300 feet of facilities like public bridges, marinas, and other structures.
Parishes and municipalities are now explicitly authorized to establish and post speed limits and no-wake zones on local waterways, excluding major federal waterways like the Mississippi River.
A new provision clarifies that state laws regarding no-wake zones are preempted by any no-wake zone established by a parish or municipality under this section.
The term "no-wake zone" is standardized and defined more precisely to mean an area where a vessel must operate at the slowest speed allowing directional control to minimize water turbulence.
The bill explicitly lists sheriffs, local law enforcement, state police, and wildlife agents as having the power to make arrests for violations of locally established no-wake zones.
The bill adds co-sponsorship by a Representative and updates the header to reflect the enrolled act status.
