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)]
Harrison HB No. 440
Abstract: Alters the size and configuration limitations for double skimmer nets.
Present law, relative to skimmer nets, prohibits the use of double skimmer nets with a frame
more than 16 ft. measured horizontally or 12 ft. measured vertically or 20 ft. measured
diagonally. Prohibits the use of a double skimmer with a lead line greater than 28 ft. Proposed
law limits the size of a double skimmer to no larger than a 72 ft. opening and a lead line no more
than 33 ft.
Present law prohibits a person from tying individual skimmer nets to exceed the size limitation
for double skimmers. Proposed law retains this prohibition.
Present law prohibits the mounting of a skimmer net or butterfly net more than 24 in. from the
side of the vessel. Proposed law repeals present law.
Proposed law further prohibits the use of a double skimmer net where the horizontal net frame
extends more than 20 ft. from the gunwale of the vessel.
Present law prohibits a person from using sweeper devices, leads, extensions, wings, or other
attachments in conjunction with or attached to butterfly nets or skimmer nets. Proposed law
retains this prohibition for butterfly nets but repeals it for skimmers.
(Amends R.S. 56:499(B) and (C))