HB 688 Louisiana House · 2026 Regular Session

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

360
Passed · 4 other
Total votes 40
May 27, 2026
D Democratic12
11 Yea 1
91% Yea
R Republican28
25 Yea 3
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
Photo of Joe Orgeron
Joe Orgeron
RRepublican
LA
54