Environment

signed · Louisiana · Senate May 29, 2026

SB 111: FISH/FISHING: Provides for black bass and crappie bag and size limits. (8/1/26)

SB 111 sets daily catch limits and minimum size requirements for recreational fishing of black bass and crappie in a defined area of south-central Louisiana. It prohibits taking more than five black bass (each at least 14 inches long) or 25 crappie (each at least 8 inches long) in a single day within specified boundaries south of US 190, east of the levee, and north of US 90. The bill directly affects recreational anglers fishing in that geographic region and prohibits possessing finfish filets. These changes would become effective August 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes catch/size limits to conserve black bass and crappie populations, directly protecting natural resources through sustainable fishing management in specified waters.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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 15, 2026

HB 851: ENVIRONMENT/LITTERING: Provides relative to intentional littering

HB 851 prohibits intentional releases of 12 or more balloons at a single event, imposing fines similar to other littering violations. It specifically exempts balloon releases by people under 17, biodegradable balloons, indoor releases, scientific/weather balloons (by agencies/institutions), and balloons with tracking devices. The law applies to event organizers planning such releases but does not affect typical balloon use or accidental releases. This amendment to Louisiana's littering statute clarifies penalties for mass balloon releases while allowing for common exceptions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits intentional large-scale balloon releases (a pollution source) with fines, aligning with littering regulations to reduce environmental harm. Exemptions for biodegradable/indoor releases show targeted protection.95% confidence

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 621: ENERGY/ALTERNATE: Requires recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure

HB 621 requires renewable energy facility owners in Louisiana to include recycling plans for decommissioned equipment (like solar panels or wind turbine parts) as part of their facility closure process. The bill mandates that owners pay all costs for decommissioning and recycling, with the Department of Environmental Quality determining what recycling is "practicable." It directly affects renewable energy providers operating in Louisiana, shifting financial responsibility for end-of-life infrastructure management from taxpayers to the industry. The bill does not create new funding or alter existing environmental standards, focusing solely on requiring recycling as a standard part of decommissioning.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates recycling of decommissioned renewable infrastructure (solar/wind), ensuring sustainable end-of-life management for renewables and shifting financial responsibility to owners.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates recycling of renewable energy infrastructure at decommissioning, shifting costs to owners to prevent landfill waste and pollution, directly protecting environment through responsible end-of-life management.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Wind Recycling

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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died · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 193: FISH/FISHING: Provides for the menhaden fishery. (8/1/26)

SB 193 prohibits Louisiana's fisheries commission from modifying commercial menhaden fishing buffer zones before August 1, 2028. The bill establishes a statewide rule freeze on these buffer areas, which define protected zones for the menhaden fishery. This directly affects commercial menhaden fishermen operating in Louisiana waters by maintaining current buffer boundaries until 2028.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMaintains current buffer zones for menhaden fishery conservation, preventing potential weakening of protected areas until 2028, aligning with natural resource protection.95% confidence

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in committee · Louisiana · Senate Mar 9, 2026

SB 188: CONSERVATION: Provides for the Department of Conservation and Energy. (8/1/26)

SB 188 amends Louisiana law to clarify that waste of oil or gas is prohibited during extraction, directly affecting oil and gas producers who must comply with this requirement. The bill reenacts Section 30:2 of the state code to explicitly state that waste - defined as inefficient or unnecessary loss during production - is banned. This change provides clearer regulatory language for the Department of Conservation and Energy to enforce conservation standards. The bill is procedural, focusing on defining prohibited practices rather than creating new programs or funding. It is currently under review by the Natural Resources committee.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits waste of oil/gas during extraction, requiring conservation compliance. Strengthens resource conservation standards under Department of Conservation and Energy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Louisiana · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 704: ENVIRONMENT/WASTE TIRES: Increases the cap on fees collected for the Waste Tire Management Dedicated Fund Account and dedicates additional revenue for a tire buy back program (OR +$5,100,000 SG RV See Note)

HB 704 increases the maximum fee charged per tire sale for waste tire management in Louisiana, raising caps from $2.25 to $3.25 for passenger tires, $5 to $6 for medium truck tires, and $10 to $11 for off-road tires. It mandates that $1 from every tire sold be dedicated to a new tire buyback program, where consumers can sell used tires for cash. The bill creates a special fund to manage these fees and the buyback program, administered by the Department of Environmental Quality. This directly affects tire retailers (who collect the fees) and consumers (who pay the higher prices and may use the buyback program).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases tire sale fees (taxes) to fund dedicated waste tire management and buyback program, directly allocating revenue to a public service initiative.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases tire fees to fund buyback program reducing illegal dumping and pollution from waste tires, directly advancing environmental protection via dedicated DEQ-managed fund.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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died · Louisiana · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 507: ENERGY: Repeals liability limits related to carbon dioxide sequestration and transmission (OR SEE FISC NOTE SG RV)

HB 507 repeals Louisiana's existing civil liability caps for carbon dioxide storage facilities and transmission pipelines. It removes limits on damages that could be claimed in lawsuits against owners or operators of these facilities. This change directly affects companies handling CO2 for storage or transport, as they would no longer benefit from pre-set damage caps in court cases. The bill makes no new policy provisions but alters the legal liability framework for these specific energy infrastructure operations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves liability caps for CO2 storage facilities, increasing accountability for environmental harm and strengthening legal recourse for climate change mitigation efforts.85% confidence

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