Bill > HB173

This bill expands the jurisdiction of state park wardens to enforce litter laws throughout Louisiana, not just within park boundaries. Specifically, the bill authorizes state park wardens to issue citations for littering both in-person and by mail statewide. The bill also establishes a new administrative hearing process for handling litter citations, allowing the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to bring civil actions to recover penalties for littering under the Administrative Procedure Act. Defendants can be required to attend an adjudicatory hearing in the district office of the parish where they live or where the violation occurred, though they may choose to waive the hearing by paying the fine. The bill provides detailed procedures for notifying defendants about hearings, with notices sent via certified mail or included on the initial citation. Any civil penalties collected will be deposited into the litter abatement account within the Conservation Fund, and individuals assessed penalties may also be responsible for attorney fees and hearing costs. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is tasked with creating rules and regulations to implement these new provisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=HB173&sbi=y