Bill > SB124

This bill amends the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act by modifying provisions related to natural and scenic rivers. Specifically, the bill changes the designation of the Tchefuncte River by removing language about its tributaries and adjusting its defined geographical range from its origin in Tangipahoa Parish to Lake Ponchartrain. The bill also creates a notable exception for the West Pearl River, allowing drainage-related activities like channelization, clearing, channel realignment, and dredging from Lock 1 to the Rigolets without requiring a permit, and without being prohibited by existing scenic river regulations. This exception will be in effect from August 1, 2025, through August 1, 2033. Additionally, the bill repeals several paragraphs in the existing law related to river designations and directs the Louisiana State Law Institute to renumber the remaining paragraphs in the relevant section of the law. These changes appear to provide more flexibility for drainage and infrastructure projects in specific river areas while maintaining overall scenic river protections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=25rs&b=SB124&sbi=y