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)]
HB 198 Original 2015 Regular Session St. Germain
Abstract: Increases the fees for participation in the commercial crab fishery and increases the
dedications to the Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program and the Crab Promotion and
Marketing Account.
Present law provides for a $35 commercial crab trap gear license fee for any number of legal crab
traps. Dedicates $5 from each license to the Derelict Crab Trap Removal Program Account and $5
to the Crab Promotion and Marketing Account. Exempts residents who hold a senior commercial
fishing license.
Proposed law increases the gear license fee from $35 to $50. Increases the two dedications from $5
to $10 each. Authorizes a tag fee of up to $2 per tag if the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission
implements a buoy tagging system for identification of the owners of crab traps. Specifies that while
holders of a commercial senior fishing license are exempt from the gear fee, they are not exempt
from the tag fee.
(Amends R.S. 56:305(B)(2))