FISHING: Adds Atlantic tarpon to the definition of saltwater game fish
HB 688 adds Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) to Louisiana's official definition of saltwater game fish under state law. This technical amendment updates the list of species classified as "game fish" for regulatory purposes, directly affecting Louisiana's fisheries management and enforcement under R.S. 56:8(70)(b). The bill does not create new fishing rules or restrictions but clarifies which species are included in existing game fish regulations. It affects how Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries administers saltwater fishing laws, ensuring Atlantic tarpon is formally recognized alongside species like red drum and marlin. The change takes effect upon the governor's signature or legislative approval.
Bill status
vetoed
4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
May 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
May 2026
Vetoed
Jun 2026
Introduced Feb 27, 2026
Vetoed Jun 12, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
HB688 Engrossed
→
HB688 Enrolled
·
3 edits
·
May 28, 2026
MINOR
This bill updates the legal definition of saltwater game fish in Louisiana to include the Atlantic tarpon. This change matters because it ensures that Atlantic tarpon are legally classified as game fish, subjecting them to the same fishing regulations, seasons, and bag limits as other species like sailfish and red drum.
Scope change
The scope of the bill expanded to include Atlantic tarpon within the definition of saltwater game fish, whereas previously they were not explicitly listed.
DEFINITION
Added Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) to the statutory list of saltwater game fish species.
Corrected a typo in the scientific name for the white marlin, changing 'Kajikia albida' to 'albidus Kajikia albida' to match the red drum entry format.
TECHNICAL
Changed the document status from 'Engrossed' to 'Enrolled', indicating the bill has passed both legislative chambers and is ready for the governor's signature.
Floor votes · Senate May 27, 2026 · House Mar 31, 2026
How they voted
36–0
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 40
May 27, 2026
D
Democratic12
91% Yea
R
Republican28
89% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
19
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Jun 12, 2026
Vetoed
Vetoed by the Governor.
lower
May 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
Read by title, passed by a vote of 35 yeas and 0 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.
upper
May 25, 2026
Committee
Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.
upper
May 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
Rules suspended. Reported favorably.
upper
Mar 31, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 102, nays 0. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.
lower
Mar 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably (14-0-1).
lower
Mar 9, 2026
Committee
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
lower
Feb 27, 2026
Committee
Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Joe Orgeron
RRepublican
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