Bill > HB802

This bill establishes the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund as a special fund within the state treasury to support the reclamation and restoration of lands and watersheds impacted by sand and gravel mining, with a focus on flood-prone and impaired areas. The fund will receive 100% of the recurring severance tax revenues collected on sand and gravel that would otherwise go to the state general fund, after constitutional and statutory allocations, as well as any donations, gifts, or grants. Monies in the fund will be invested, and any unexpended funds will remain in the fund at the end of the fiscal year. Only statutorily-created watershed-based entities that are legally required to develop and maintain legislative-approved master and annual plans, have statutory responsibility for floodplain management and flood risk reduction projects, are authorized to create necessary rules and regulations, and are governed by a legislatively-authorized board with representation from affected parishes and members possessing relevant professional expertise will be eligible to receive funds. An annual report detailing the fund's finances and activities will be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Natural Resources by March 1st each year, and the act will become effective on July 1, 2026.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26rs&b=HB802&sbi=y