Environment (Wildlife)

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

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 754: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Creates sanctuaries on Lake Pontchartrain (OR NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 754 creates two protected areas in Lake Pontchartrain: the existing Lake Catherine and Lake Pontchartrain Sanctuary, and a new Manchac Wildlife Management Area Sanctuary. The bill prohibits commercial fishing using trawls, skimmer nets, butterfly nets, seines, or standard traps within these sanctuaries, while allowing recreational spearfishing, hoop nets for catfish, crab traps, and certain fishing south/east of the I-10 bridge during open seasons. These sanctuaries are administered by Louisiana's Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to conserve fish and marine life. The law directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen operating in the specified lake zones.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates protected sanctuaries prohibiting harmful commercial fishing methods to conserve wildlife habitats in Lake Pontchartrain, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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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

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 63: WILD REFUGES/PRESERVES: Prohibits construction of pipelines on certain wildlife management areas. (8/1/26) (OR -$3,292,850 SD RV See Note)

SB 63 prohibits the construction of carbon dioxide pipelines within three specific Louisiana wildlife management areas: Maurepas Swamp, Joyce, and Manchac. The bill directly affects developers or companies seeking to build such pipelines in these protected zones. It creates a legal barrier by explicitly banning pipeline construction for carbon dioxide transport in these locations, regardless of other applicable laws. The measure aims to protect these ecologically sensitive areas from potential pipeline-related disruptions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits CO2 pipelines in protected wildlife areas, directly preventing ecological harm and conserving natural resources per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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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

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 863: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Requires a search warrant before wildlife enforcement agents can conduct inspections

HB 863 requires Louisiana wildlife enforcement agents to obtain a search warrant before inspecting business records, vehicles, or storage facilities related to wildlife or fish products, directly affecting businesses that sell or handle these items (like restaurants, markets, and cold storage). The bill amends existing law to prohibit warrantless inspections, except for routine checks at commercial venues like public markets or licensed fish retailers, which remain exempt. It shifts the standard from the current "probable cause" threshold to a warrant requirement for most inspections, aiming to align wildlife enforcement with broader Fourth Amendment protections. The change applies to state wildlife agents and businesses operating under Louisiana's wildlife and fisheries regulations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires search warrant for wildlife inspections, protecting businesses from unreasonable searches and aligning with civil rights protections in law enforcement procedures.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRequires warrants for wildlife inspections, reducing enforcement effectiveness and weakening regulatory oversight of environmental protections.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 862: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides with respect to not-for-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations

HB 862 amends Louisiana's wildlife rehabilitation law to allow non-profit organizations dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife to use photographs or videos of animals in promotional materials. This change specifically permits these groups to feature animals in ads, social media, or other materials to solicit donations, gifts, or grants from the public or private entities. Previously, the law prohibited using wildlife for "promotional or commercial purpose," which inadvertently blocked such fundraising efforts. The bill directly affects non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations by removing this barrier to securing financial support.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEnables wildlife rehab orgs to use promotional materials for fundraising, supporting conservation efforts by removing barriers to donor engagement for wildlife protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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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

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 724: WILDLIFE/ENFORCEMENT: Provides for rehabilitation of wildlife

HB 724 amends Louisiana law to allow non-profit wildlife rehabilitation organizations to use photographs or videos of animals in promotional materials for fundraising. This change specifically permits these groups to solicit donations, gifts, or grants through advertisements featuring rehabilitated wildlife, which was previously prohibited under the law. The bill directly affects organizations dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation by expanding their allowable promotional activities while maintaining restrictions on commercial exploitation or pet trade use of wildlife.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPermits wildlife rehab orgs to use animal photos/videos for fundraising, enabling greater financial support for wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 785: WILDLIFE/ENFORCEMENT: Establishes animal rehabilitation oversight within the Department of Agriculture (OR +$600,001 GF EX See Note)

HB 785 establishes a formal Animal Rehabilitation Program within Louisiana's Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The bill requires the department to oversee housing, treatment, and care of injured or orphaned native Louisiana wildlife with the goal of releasing healthy animals back into the wild. It mandates the commissioner to collaborate with the state veterinarian to develop program rules and procedures. This bill, which is pending constitutional amendment approval, would directly affect wildlife rehabilitation facilities and native animal care operations across the state. The program cannot take effect until a related constitutional amendment is approved by voters.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes wildlife rehabilitation program to conserve native species through care and release, directly supporting environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Wildlife

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