Louisiana House Bill HB143

Louisiana 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/20
• Refer: 2/24/20
• Refer: 3/9/20
• Report Pass: 5/7/20
• Engrossed: 5/18/20
• Report Pass: 5/21/20
• Enrolled: 5/27/20
• Chaptered: 6/4/20
• Passed: 6/4/20

Caption

Re-creates the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Impact

The impact of HB 143 is significant as it ensures the continuity of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, which plays a crucial role in managing and conserving the state's wildlife resources. By securing the statutory framework for the department, the bill aims to uphold the regulatory functions necessary for sustainable environmental management and public resource utilization. This legislation thus maintains the department's operational capabilities for at least another five years, allowing it to plan and execute its mandates effectively based on recent state needs and legislative changes.

Summary

House Bill 143 is a legislative act aimed at re-creating the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in Louisiana along with the statutory entities affiliated with it. The bill stipulates that these entities will be formally re-created effective June 30, 2020, ensuring that all prior statutory authority is preserved until a specified termination date. Furthermore, the bill serves to clarify the timeline of operations for these entities, with a cessation of all authority slated for July 1, 2025, unless re-created beforehand according to established provisions.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 143 appears to be supportive within the legislative context, as evidenced by a unanimous Senate vote of 36 to 0 in favor of the bill during its final passage. This broad agreement indicates a collective recognition of the importance of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to Louisiana's ecological and economic well-being. There were no recorded opposition points during the discussions leading up to the vote, suggesting that stakeholders from various interest groups likely view the maintenance of the department as beneficial.

Contention

While no major points of contention arose during voting, the nature of the re-creation and the defined termination date may prompt future discussions around the funding and authority of state statutory entities. Ensuring adequate resources and legislative oversight will be essential to address future needs, particularly as evidence suggests environmental management will continue to evolve in complexity. Therefore, while the bill has passed, ongoing dialogues about its implementation and the re-creation process will remain critical.