HLS 12RS-401 ENGROSSED
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 406
BY REPRESENTATIVE GREENE
FISHING/RECREATIONAL: Authorizes the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to
establish recreational reefs where oyster harvest is prohibited
AN ACT1
To enact R.S. 56:805, relative to recreational reef sites; to authorize the Wildlife and2
Fisheries Commission to establish such sites; to authorize the commission to regulate3
fishing from such reef sites; to provide for penalties; and to provide for related4
matters.5
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6
Section 1. R.S. 56:805 is hereby enacted to read as follows: 7
ยง805. Establishment of recreational reef sites; designation and regulation8
A. In an effort to enhance inshore fisheries habitat, the commission may9
designate and set aside areas of the state's water bottoms as recreational reef. The10
commission shall consider the recommendations of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force11
when designating such areas. The commission shall promulgate through the12
Administration Procedure Act the location of a reef, the types of materials to be used13
to construct and replenish the reef, and regulations governing fishing on and above14
the site, including but not limited to harvest seasons, times, and creel limits. There15
shall be no harvest of oysters from the sites so set aside.16
B. A violation of the provisions of this Section shall be a class four violation17
punishable under the provisions of R.S. 56:34.18 HLS 12RS-401 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 406
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Greene HB No. 406
Abstract: Authorizes the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to establish recreational reefs
where oyster harvest is prohibited.
Proposed law authorizes the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, with recommendations by
the La. Oyster Task Force, to establish recreational reefs and promulgate rules for the
location of such reefs, materials to be used on such reefs, and regulations for fishing on or
over the reef, including harvest seasons, times, and creel limits. Prohibits the harvest of
oysters from the reefs.
Provides that violations are class four violations punishable as follows:
1st offensebetween $400 & $950 orimprisonment for more than
120 days, or both.
2nd offensebetween $750 & $999 &imprisonment between 90 and
180 days.
3rd or morebetween $1,000 & $5,000&imprisonment between 180
days and two years.
Provides forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the violation.
(Adds R.S. 56:805)