FISHING/NETS: Establishes depth requirements for the commercial use of purse seines
HB 855 requires commercial fishing vessels using purse seines in Louisiana's saltwater areas to operate only in waters with a minimum depth of 22 feet. This rule directly affects commercial fishermen who use purse seines for catching fish like menhaden or tuna in coastal waters. The key provision amends Louisiana law to prohibit purse seine use in shallower waters, aiming to protect marine habitats or species in shallow zones. The bill does not specify enforcement details or exemptions beyond the depth requirement.
Bill status
in committee
2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Failed
Apr 2026
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2026
Last action Apr 14, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
HB855 Original
→
HB855 Engrossed
·
1 edit
MINOR
The bill text has been updated from 'Original' to 'Engrossed' status, indicating it has passed its final reading in the legislature. The substantive content of the bill, which limits the use of purse seines to waters of a certain depth, remains unchanged in this diff.
TECHNICAL
The bill title and status were updated from 'HB 855 Original' to 'HB 855 Engrossed', reflecting its progression through the legislative process. The abstract and substantive text regarding purse seine restrictions appear identical in both versions.
Floor votes · House Apr 14, 2026
How they voted
46–49
Failed · 10 other
Total votes 105
Apr 14, 2026
D
Democratic33
66% Nay
R
Republican72
55% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
9
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Apr 14, 2026
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (46-49-10)
house
Apr 8, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably (8-7-1).
lower
Mar 9, 2026
Committee
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
lower
Feb 27, 2026
Committee
Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joe Orgeron
RRepublican
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