Environment (Wildlife) in Louisiana

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1258: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides with respect to seizure of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife

This bill establishes a new process for handling sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife seized by Louisiana authorities for unlawful possession. It mandates that the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries prioritize releasing healthy animals into the wild or placing injured ones with licensed rehabilitators, zoos, or sanctuaries whenever possible. Euthanasia is strictly limited to situations where no other viable options exist, such as when an animal is suffering from a life-threatening disease or injury, or when release is legally prohibited and no suitable facility is available. The law also requires that any necessary euthanasia follow current American Veterinary Medical Association guidelines to ensure humane treatment.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

passed · Louisiana · House May 7, 2026

HB 1209: WATER/RESOURCES: Provides for the withdrawal of surface water

This bill amends existing laws regarding the withdrawal of surface water by updating specific dates and refining how environmental impacts are evaluated. It requires state officials to consider the effects of water projects on vegetation and wildlife, including their management and potential proliferation, when reviewing contracts or agreements. The text also includes minor adjustments to numbering and punctuation within the legislation to ensure clarity. These changes aim to strengthen the assessment process for water resource projects without altering the fundamental authority to withdraw water.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality Wildlife

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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

passed both · Louisiana · House May 28, 2026

HCR 97: CURRICULA: Requests that the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, study the feasibility of incorporating age- and grade-appropriate hunting education, conservation education, and shooting sports courses into curricula for public school students in grades five through twelve

This concurrent resolution asks the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to study whether it is possible to add hunting, conservation, and shooting sports classes to public school curricula for students in grades five through twelve. The study, which must be completed by March 1, 2027, will explore how these courses could fit into existing physical education programs or be offered as electives, covering topics like firearm safety, wildlife identification, and outdoor survival skills. The bill also considers whether completing such a course could lead to official Hunter Education Certification for students. Ultimately, the resolution directs the state education board and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to investigate this idea and report their findings to the state legislature.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics School Safety Conservation Wildlife

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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 1248: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Permits the possession of white-tailed deer by wildlife rehabilitators

This Louisiana bill allows licensed wildlife rehabilitators to legally possess and care for white-tailed deer under specific health and containment rules. It establishes strict protocols for Chronic Wasting Disease, requiring that deer originating from infected zones be released only within the same area and mandating euthanasia if symptoms appear. Additionally, the law prohibits rehabilitating deer that show signs of disease, human habituation, or originate from outside the state. The legislation also sets minimum enclosure sizes and construction standards while requiring advance notice before releasing animals without any identifying tags.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 1130: CURRICULA: Provides for a hunting course for certain public school students

This bill requires public schools in Louisiana to offer age-appropriate hunting courses to students in grades five through twelve. The courses must include firearms training, hunter education, and conservation education, though schools may add other relevant topics. Charter schools are exempt from this requirement unless they choose to include it in their approved charter. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will work with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to create rules for implementation, with the program starting in the 2027-2028 school year.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

passed · Louisiana · House Apr 1, 2026

HR 58: COMMENDATIONS: Commends Gordie White for his commitment to waterfowl conservation through Ducks Unlimited and the preservation of North America's wetlands and wildlife

This bill is a commendation resolution honoring Gordie White for his long-term dedication to waterfowl conservation and wetland preservation through his work with Ducks Unlimited. It recognizes his role in founding the New Iberia chapter in 1972, his service as state chairman, and his development of the "Ducklings" volunteer fundraising model that has spread nationwide. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves to formally acknowledge his contributions and encourage future generations to continue environmental stewardship.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation 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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wildlife

All environment bills