HLS 13RS-635 ORIGINAL Page 1 of 2 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. Regular Session, 2013 HOUSE BILL NO. 480 BY REPRESENTATIVE SCHEXNAYDER Prefiled pursuant to Article III, Section 2(A)(4)(b)(i) of the Constitution of Louisiana. WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Moves responsibility for regulation of seismic activity from the office of fisheries to the office of wildlife within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries AN ACT1 To amend and reenact R.S. 36:609(B)(2) and (C)(1), relative to the powers, duties,2 functions, and responsibilities of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; to3 provide that regulation of seismic operations be the responsibility of the office of4 wildlife; and to provide for related matters.5 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:6 Section 1. R.S. 36:609(B)(2) and (C)(1) are hereby amended and reenacted to read7 as follows: 8 ยง609. Offices; purposes and functions9 * * *10 B. The office of wildlife shall:11 * * *12 (2) Perform the functions of the state relative to the administration,13 operation, and law enforcement of programs, including research, related to the14 Louisiana Natural Areas Registry; natural and scenic rivers; the regulation of seismic15 operations, and water pollution control and prevention and review and monitoring16 of activities occurring in the coastal zone and wetland areas as shall be delegated or17 assigned to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries or any of the agencies18 transferred to said department by law.19 * * *20 HLS 13RS-635 ORIGINAL HB NO. 480 Page 2 of 2 CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored are additions. C. The office of fisheries shall:1 (1) Perform the functions of the state relating to administration and operation2 programs, including research, relating to saltwater fisheries, water bottoms, and3 seafoods, including but not limited to the regulation of the oyster, shrimp, and4 marine fishing industries, the leasing of and regulations of the use of water bottoms5 for cultivation and propagation of oysters, mariculture, and the dredging of sand,6 gravel, and fill materials, the regulation of seismic operations, the licensing of7 vessels engaged in the industry, establishing and maintaining oyster seed grounds,8 the control of the shrimp fishery and shrimp industry in the state and the licensing9 of persons engaged therein, and the collection of the severance tax on shrimp,10 oysters, sand, gravel, and fill materials severed from state water bottoms.11 * * *12 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)] Schexnayder HB No. 480 Proposed law moves responsibility for regulation of seismic operations from the office of fisheries to the office of wildlife. Present law, in pertinent part, provides that the office of fisheries is responsible for the regulation of seismic operations. (Amends R.S. 36:609(B)(2) and (C)(1))