RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
SR 123 2016 Regular Session Hewitt
Prior resolution (SR 159 of 2014 RS) created the Lower Pearl River Basin Ecosystem Study
Commission to study and make recommendations to the legislature and federal agencies on
the development of a long-term comprehensive master plan to protect and preserve the
Lower Pearl River Basin ecosystem.
Provided for the following commission membership of 16 members:
(1)Two senators appointed by the president, or their designees, one of whom shall serve
as chairperson.
(2)Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the speaker or their
designees.
(3)The secretary of the Department of Natural Resources, or his designee.
(4)The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, or his designee.
(5)The secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality, or her designee.
(6)The president of Washington Parish, or his designee.
(7)The president of St. Tammany Parish, or his designee.
(8)Four residents of St. Tammany Parish, appointed by the legislators representing that
parish.
(9)Three residents of Washington Parish, appointed by the legislators representing that
parish.
Provided that the study should focus on the area of protection, the creation of an authority
to manage the protection area, financing for the authority, long-term projects for the
preservation and maintenance of the protection area, and any future needs of the protection
area.
Provided that the members of the commission shall serve without compensation, except per
diem or expenses reimbursement to which they may be individually entitled as members of
their respective constituent organization.
Provided that the commission may conduct such meetings at such times as it may deem
necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its
duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of the Resolution.
Prior resolution (SR 152 of 2015 RS) re-created the commission with the same membership,
duties, powers, and limitation on compensation as stated in SR No. 159 and required a report
to the legislature no later than 60 days prior to the 2016 RS.
New resolution re-creates the commission with the same membership, duties, powers, and
limitation on compensation as stated in SR 159, requires a report to the legislature no later
than April 30, 2017, and provides that the commission shall terminate on April 30, 2017.