Environment

HB 599 prohibits the sale of Louisiana's running surface water to entities outside the state. It directly affects businesses or entities seeking to purchase Louisiana water for use beyond Louisiana's borders. The bill enacts a new provision (R.S. 30:961(L)) banning such sales and repeals a prior section (R.S. 30:961(I)) that allowed the state secretary to approve cooperative agreements for out-of-state water withdrawals. This creates a clear policy change preventing the export of state-owned surface water for use outside Louisiana.

This bill (HR 1) formally approves Louisiana's Fiscal Year 2026-2027 state integrated coastal protection plan, which was already developed by the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board. It directly affects Louisiana's coastal management programs by authorizing the implementation of projects focused on protecting, conserving, and restoring coastal areas, including hurricane protection and land restoration initiatives. The plan outlines funding priorities for projects like dredged material use, land acquisition, and environmental compliance, based on established project rankings. Legislative approval is required for the plan to take effect, though it automatically becomes active if not disapproved by July 1, 2026. This is a procedural resolution, not a new policy.

HB 855 requires commercial fishing vessels using purse seines in Louisiana's saltwater areas to operate only in waters with a minimum depth of 22 feet. This rule directly affects commercial fishermen who use purse seines for catching fish like menhaden or tuna in coastal waters. The key provision amends Louisiana law to prohibit purse seine use in shallower waters, aiming to protect marine habitats or species in shallow zones. The bill does not specify enforcement details or exemptions beyond the depth requirement.