Environment

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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental regulations by establishing management zones to control Chronic Wasting Disease, protecting deer populations and ecosystem health.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Louisiana · House May 25, 2026

HR 225: ENVIRONMENT: Urges and requests the Department of Environmental Quality, the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, and the municipalities within Ouachita Parish to study parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resiliency services

This resolution asks state agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study how to combine their trash collection, debris removal, and disaster cleanup services into one unified system. The study will look at ways to save money, handle storm debris more efficiently after natural disasters, and build better long-term infrastructure like landfills and recycling centers. Specific areas of focus include creating a single billing system, setting up pre-planned cleanup contracts, and exploring partnerships with private companies to fund these improvements. The involved agencies must work together to complete this analysis and submit a final report with their findings and recommendations to the state legislature by December 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes efficient waste management and disaster resilience, which supports environmental protection and resource conservation.65% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House May 15, 2026

HB 858: WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Establishes a public records exemption for Global Positioning System data collected on wildlife and aquatic life

HB 858 exempts GPS location data collected by Louisiana's Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on individual wildlife and aquatic animals from public records disclosure. The bill amends state law to explicitly exclude this specific data from being released under public records requests. This directly affects the department's ability to share such data with the public, while protecting the precise locations of individual animals from potential misuse. The key provision prevents the release of GPS information that could reveal where specific animals are located.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts GPS wildlife data from public disclosure to prevent misuse (e.g., poaching), directly protecting species and habitats, thus supporting conservation efforts.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts GPS wildlife tracking data from public disclosure, protecting location privacy from misuse per bill's intent to prevent potential harm to animals.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Louisiana · House May 11, 2026

HB 891: MTR VEHICLE/LICEN PLATES: Provides for wildlife special prestige license plates (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

HB 891 creates three new special license plates in Louisiana: "Louisiana Quail Forever," "Ducks Unlimited," and "Conserve Louisiana." Vehicle owners who purchase these plates pay additional fees ($26 for Quail, $50 for Ducks, $50 for Conserve Louisiana) beyond standard registration costs. The base fees fund the state's Conservation Fund for specific wildlife habitats (quail or waterfowl), while annual royalty fees ($50 each) go directly to the respective conservation organizations (Quail Forever or Ducks Unlimited) to support their habitat work. The "Conserve Louisiana" plate requires 1,000 applicants before issuance and directs all fees to the Conservation Fund for general wildlife conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds wildlife conservation through special license plate fees, directing revenue to habitat protection and organizations like Quail Forever.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental protections by requiring state officials to evaluate impacts on vegetation and wildlife during water withdrawal reviews.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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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 ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates noise reduction via mufflers and restricts operations to minimize habitat impact, balancing recreation with conservation.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · Louisiana · House May 6, 2026

HB 599: WATER/RESOURCES: Prohibits the sale of Louisiana running surface water outside of the state

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits export of Louisiana's surface water, conserving natural resources within state per explicit language (R.S. 30:961(L))95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · Louisiana · House May 5, 2026

HB 767: WILDLIFE/FEES: Authorizes recreational alligator hunting license and lottery fees

HB 767 would create a lottery system for Louisiana residents seeking recreational alligator hunting permits. It requires a $50 nonrefundable entry fee for the lottery, with successful applicants receiving harvest tags at no additional cost (the fee may apply toward a $25 annual resident license). All revenue from lottery fees and auctions would be directed to the state Conservation Fund. This bill specifically affects Louisiana residents who wish to hunt alligators recreationally under a new permit system, pending legislative approval.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects $50 lottery fees to Conservation Fund, funding a state program via user fees rather than taxes.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs lottery fees to Conservation Fund, funding wildlife management and conservation efforts per bill summary.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment