Louisiana Senate Bill SB339

Louisiana 2010 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/10
• Refer: 3/29/10
• Report Pass: 4/26/10

Caption

Constitutional amendment to change the composition of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (1/1/11)

Impact

If passed, SB 339 would alter the governance of the LWFC, affecting who is in charge of the state's wildlife management. This change could lead to a shift in priorities, as the legislative committees may have different focuses and agendas compared to the previous appointees. The amendment aims to enhance the state's control over wildlife resources, ensuring that elected representatives, rather than appointees, are responsible for these crucial decisions affecting both industry stakeholders and the environment.

Summary

Senate Bill 339 proposes a significant change to the composition of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) by amending Article IX, Section 7(A) of the Louisiana Constitution. The current structure allows for seven members to be appointed by the governor, with a mix of representatives from coastal parishes and the commercial fishing and fur industries. The proposed amendment seeks to replace this with members from the House and Senate committees that oversee natural resources, thereby potentially increasing legislative oversight over wildlife and fisheries management in Louisiana.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 339 appears to be mixed, with support from some legislators who view the bill as a way to increase accountability and responsiveness to public needs through elected officials. However, there may also be concern from sectors of the fishing and wildlife community who fear that replacing appointed members with legislators may lead to more politically motivated decisions rather than informed, expert oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the fear of diminished expertise on the commission, as political representatives may lack the specific knowledge necessary for effective wildlife management. Additionally, there are arguments about the potential for increased politicization of resource management decisions, which could distract from ecological considerations. The proposed changes spark a broader debate about the balance between political oversight and specialized knowledge in environmental governance.