Environment

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 872: FISHING/COMMERCIAL: Requires all commercial menhaden reduction fishery vessels to use an AIS system

HB 872 requires all commercial vessels engaged in menhaden reduction fishing (including carrier vessels, steamers, and purse boats) to install and use an automatic identification system (AIS). The AIS is a tracking system that automatically shares a vessel's location, speed, and heading with other ships, shore stations, and satellites. This bill directly affects commercial fishing operations harvesting menhaden for processing into products like fish meal or oil. The law mandates this technology to improve vessel tracking and safety in Louisiana waters, with no exemptions specified for the covered vessel types.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAIS tracking enhances vessel monitoring to prevent overfishing and protect menhaden populations, supporting marine conservation efforts.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 417: FUNDS/FUNDING: Increases the maximum balance of the Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Fund (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 417 increases the maximum balance of Louisiana's Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Fund from a fixed $6.8 million to an amount adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) starting January 1, 2027. This change affects how the state manages funds generated from hazardous waste cleanup penalties, settlements, and fees collected under environmental laws. The bill requires the state treasurer to redirect excess funds above the new, inflation-adjusted cap into the Environmental Trust Fund, rather than the previous fixed limit. The adjustment mechanism ensures the fund's capacity grows with inflation, avoiding future budget constraints from rising costs. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdjusts fund cap via CPI for fiscal responsibility, redirects excess to Environmental Trust Fund85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases hazardous waste cleanup funding via CPI-adjusted cap and redirects excess to Environmental Trust Fund, strengthening environmental protection efforts.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 665: FISHING/NETS: Prohibits hoop nets and seines from being utilized in North Pass and Manchac Pass

HB 665 prohibits the use of hoop nets and seines (specific types of fishing gear) in North Pass and Manchac Pass, from Interstate 55 to Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana. This law directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen operating in those waterways. The key provision bans these gear types within the defined geographic boundaries specified in the bill. The legislation aims to manage fishing practices in these specific coastal areas, though it does not specify the underlying reasons for the prohibition.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans destructive fishing gear (hoop nets/seines) in ecologically sensitive coastal areas to protect marine habitats and species conservation, directly advancing environmental protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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 835: WILDLIFE/MGT AREAS: Establishes a charter guide wildlife management area access permit (EN INCREASE SD RV See Note)

HB 835 establishes an annual $100 charter guide permit for fishing guides operating within Louisiana's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). This permit replaces individual access permits for both the guide and their paying clients during for-hire fishing trips. Guides must submit confidential landing reports detailing trips, anglers, and fishing locations to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, but financial data is excluded. Violations of the permit or reporting rules carry fines starting at $1,000 or require vessel monitoring systems for repeat offenses, with license suspension possible for non-compliance. The bill directly affects commercial fishing guides conducting trips in WMAs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes permit/reporting for fishing guides in Wildlife Management Areas, aiding resource monitoring and conservation management within protected zones.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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 11, 2026

HB 891: MTR VEHICLE/LICEN PLATES: Provides for wildlife special prestige license plates (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 891 creates three new special license plates in Louisiana: "Louisiana Quail Forever," "Ducks Unlimited," and "Conserve Louisiana." Vehicle owners who purchase these plates pay additional fees ($26 for Quail, $50 for Ducks, $50 for Conserve Louisiana) beyond standard registration costs. The base fees fund the state's Conservation Fund for specific wildlife habitats (quail or waterfowl), while annual royalty fees ($50 each) go directly to the respective conservation organizations (Quail Forever or Ducks Unlimited) to support their habitat work. The "Conserve Louisiana" plate requires 1,000 applicants before issuance and directs all fees to the Conservation Fund for general wildlife conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds wildlife conservation through special license plate fees, directing revenue to habitat protection and organizations like Quail Forever.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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 · Senate Apr 27, 2026

SR 7: COASTAL PROTECT/RES AUTH: Approves the annual state integrated coastal protection plan for Fiscal Year 2027, as adopted by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board.

This bill approves Louisiana's Fiscal Year 2027 annual state integrated coastal protection plan, which was developed by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board. The plan outlines projects and programs to protect, conserve, enhance, and restore the state's coastal areas, including hurricane protection and land management initiatives. By approving the plan, the legislature authorizes its implementation and directs funding to priority projects based on the plan's identified needs. The resolution follows required public hearings and committee reviews, making the plan effective for the upcoming fiscal year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill approves and directs funding for coastal protection plan, advancing state infrastructure and environmental management programs.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill approves and funds Louisiana's coastal protection plan, directly supporting environmental conservation, land management, and hurricane protection initiatives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HCR 22: COMMENDATIONS: Commends W.H. Ward Properties, Inc., on being named Tree Farmer of the Year by the Louisiana Forestry Association

This bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes W.H. Ward Properties, Inc. for being named Tree Farmer of the Year by the Louisiana Forestry Association. It directly affects the company and its family by offering legislative appreciation for their century-long stewardship of a 618-acre tree farm in LaSalle Parish. The resolution highlights the company's contributions to the state's forestry industry, including community support through scholarships and donations to the local Choctaw Indian band. This measure does not change laws or policies but serves to honor the business's achievements and its positive impact on Louisiana's forestry sector.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill commends a company for century-long tree farm stewardship, promoting forest conservation and natural resource management.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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