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 130 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Schexnayder
Abstract: Authorizes the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to establish airboat trails on wildlife
management areas.
Proposed law limits the use of airboats on wildlife management areas to airboat trails established by
the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission. Further provides that the trails be established by rules and
regulations promulgated in accordance with the APA on every wildlife management area where
airboat operation is feasible and in a manner to best protect public safety and wildlife resources and
habitats.
Proposed law limits airboat trails to trails or rights of way existing as of Feb. 1, 2018.
Proposed law provides that such rules and regulations require mufflers and limitations on the engine
size on airboats and requires the operator to possess a WMA permit, to annually notify the Dept. of
Wildlife and Fisheries of the airboat's registration number, to make the airboat available for
inspection, and to prohibit use of the trails by airboats between Sept. 1st and the following Jan. 31st.
Proposed law prohibits any person from operating an airboat on any wildlife management area if that
person violates proposed law or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to proposed law, three
times within a 10-year period.
Present law requires the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to keep at least one all-terrain vehicle trail
open throughout the year at each wildlife management area that has all-terrain
vehicle trails. Specifies that any violation of the provisions in present law is a class one violation.
Proposed law retains present law and specifies that violations of proposed law are also class one
violations.
(Amends R.S. 56:109.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the original bill:
1. Add that the rules and regulations governing airboat trails prohibit their use between
Sept. 1st and the following Jan. 31st. 2. Make technical changes.