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 784 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session McFarland
Abstract: Increases boat registration fees and dedicates the revenue to the Aquatic Plant Control
Fund.
Present law requires that each owner of a motorboat or sailboat required to be numbered by the state
to submit an application to the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries accompanied by a designated fee
based on the length of the boat. Along with the application, present law requires the owner to pay
a fee based upon the length of the boat as follows:
(1)$20 for boats 14 ft. or less
(2)$25 for boats greater than 14 ft. and less than 18 ft.
(3)$30 for boats 18 ft. or greater plus $2 for each foot or portion of a foot greater than 18 ft.
Proposed law retains present law and adds an additional $9.00 fee until Aug. 1, 2023, on each length
category of motorboat and sailboat.
Proposed law dedicates the revenue from the increases to the Aquatic Plant Control Fund.
Present law creates the Aquatic Plant Control Fund to fund the aquatic plant control program and
to fund cooperative research and public education efforts by the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries and
the LSU Agricultural Center relative to aquatic weed control and eradication.
Proposed law retains present law and adds the eradication of roseau cane scale as a purpose of the
fund.
(Amends R.S. 34:851.20(A)(1) and 851.32 and R.S. 56:10.1(C))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The House Floor Amendments to the engrossed bill:
1. Limit the fee increase to applications for numbering a motorboat or sailboat.
2. Add the eradication of roseau cane scale as a purpose of the Aquatic Plant Control Fund.