Environment

passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 62: FLOODING/CONTROL: Urges and requests the Federal Emergency Management Agency to modify flood map review frequency

This bill asks the Federal Emergency Management Agency to update how often it reviews flood maps in Louisiana. It specifically urges FEMA to consider the state's recent investments in levees and other flood protection measures when calculating flood risks under its new Risk Rating 2.0 system. The goal is to ensure that these improvements are recognized, which could lead to fairer flood insurance rates for residents and businesses in the area.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUpdating flood maps improves disaster preparedness and protects communities and natural resources from flooding damage.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 86: WILDLIFE/HABITAT: Expresses legislative support for a request by Senator John N. Kennedy to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a study addressing the impact of land use changes and habitat loss on migratory waterfowl behavior

This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's support for a formal study requested by Senator John N. Kennedy. The study is directed at the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate how land use changes and habitat loss impact migratory waterfowl behavior and populations within the Mississippi Flyway. Specifically, the resolution asks the federal agency to examine variables affecting waterfowl winter distributions, breeding patterns, and related economic outcomes in response to observed population declines in Louisiana. The primary effect of the bill is to formally endorse the request for this research rather than to enact new laws or regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill supports a study on habitat loss and waterfowl behavior, indicating a focus on conservation and environmental protection.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Louisiana · Senate May 25, 2026

SCR 24: WILDLIFE/FISHERIES DEPT: Amends rules relative to chronic wasting disease.

This bill amends Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries rules to update regulations for managing Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations. It establishes specific management zones around infected areas, prohibiting supplemental feeding and baiting in the inner zone while allowing it under strict conditions in the outer buffer zone. The legislation also defines clear procedures for creating, modifying, or removing these zones based on surveillance results and requires the use of identifiable boundaries like roads and waterways.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental regulations by establishing management zones to control Chronic Wasting Disease, protecting deer populations and ecosystem health.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 757: FISHING/COMMERCIAL: Provides relative to the taking of menhaden

HB 757 prohibits commercial fishing for menhaden (a small fish used in fish oil and feed) within Louisiana waters designated by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. It directly affects commercial fishers, vessels, and businesses involved in menhaden harvesting. The bill establishes strict liability (meaning violators are responsible without proof of intent) and imposes escalating penalties: $50,000 for a first offense, license revocation for up to 365 days for repeated violations, and permanent license loss after a fourth violation. These penalties apply to individuals or businesses operating commercial fishing vessels in prohibited zones.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits commercial menhaden fishing in designated waters to protect the species and marine ecosystem, a direct conservation measure under environmental protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 858: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Establishes a public records exemption for Global Positioning System data collected on wildlife and aquatic life

HB 858 exempts GPS location data collected by Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on individual wildlife and aquatic animals from public records disclosure. The bill amends state law to explicitly exclude this specific data from being released under public records requests. This directly affects the department's ability to share such data with the public, while protecting the precise locations of individual animals from potential misuse. The key provision prevents the release of GPS information that could reveal where specific animals are located.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts GPS wildlife data from public disclosure to prevent misuse (e.g., poaching), directly protecting species and habitats, thus supporting conservation efforts.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts GPS wildlife tracking data from public disclosure, protecting location privacy from misuse per bill's intent to prevent potential harm to animals.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · Louisiana · House May 6, 2026

HB 1171: WILDLIFE/MGT AREAS: Authorizes the use of airboats in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area

This bill authorizes the use of airboats in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area while establishing specific rules to limit their impact. It restricts airboat operations to a window between March 1 and September 1 each year and confines them to existing pipeline and power line paths, sloughs, and designated pull boat runs. Additionally, the legislation requires any airboat engine to be equipped with a muffler or similar device to reduce noise pollution. These measures aim to balance recreational access with environmental protection within the designated wildlife area.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates noise reduction via mufflers and restricts operations to minimize habitat impact, balancing recreation with conservation.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Louisiana · House May 6, 2026

HB 599: WATER/RESOURCES: Prohibits the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside of the state

HB 599 prohibits the sale of Louisiana's running surface water to entities outside the state. It directly affects businesses or entities seeking to purchase Louisiana water for use beyond Louisiana's borders. The bill enacts a new provision (R.S. 30:961(L)) banning such sales and repeals a prior section (R.S. 30:961(I)) that allowed the state secretary to approve cooperative agreements for out-of-state water withdrawals. This creates a clear policy change preventing the export of state-owned surface water for use outside Louisiana.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits export of Louisiana's surface water, conserving natural resources within state per explicit language (R.S. 30:961(L))95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · Louisiana · House May 5, 2026

HB 767: WILDLIFE/FEES: Authorizes recreational alligator hunting license and lottery fees

HB 767 would create a lottery system for Louisiana residents seeking recreational alligator hunting permits. It requires a $50 nonrefundable entry fee for the lottery, with successful applicants receiving harvest tags at no additional cost (the fee may apply toward a $25 annual resident license). All revenue from lottery fees and auctions would be directed to the state Conservation Fund. This bill specifically affects Louisiana residents who wish to hunt alligators recreationally under a new permit system, pending legislative approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects $50 lottery fees to Conservation Fund, funding a state program via user fees rather than taxes.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs lottery fees to Conservation Fund, funding wildlife management and conservation efforts per bill summary.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 30, 2026

HR 1: COASTAL RESOURCES: Approves the annual state integrated coastal protection plan for Fiscal Year 2026-2027, as adopted by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board

This bill (HR 1) formally approves Louisiana's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state integrated coastal protection plan, which was already developed by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board. It directly affects Louisiana's coastal management programs by authorizing the implementation of projects focused on protecting, conserving, and restoring coastal areas, including hurricane protection and land restoration initiatives. The plan outlines funding priorities for projects like dredged material use, land acquisition, and environmental compliance, based on established project rankings. Legislative approval is required for the plan to take effect, though it automatically becomes active if not disapproved by July 1, 2026. This is a procedural resolution, not a new policy.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill approves Louisiana's coastal protection plan authorizing projects for protecting, conserving, and restoring coastal areas including land restoration, directly advancing environmental conservation and protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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