HB 855 Louisiana House · 2026 Regular Session

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

4649
Failed · 10 other
Total votes 105
Apr 14, 2026
D Democratic33
6 Yea 22 Nay 5
66% Nay
R Republican72
40 Yea 27 Nay 5
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
Photo of Joe Orgeron
Joe Orgeron
RRepublican
LA
54