The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Curry Lann.
DIGEST
SB 103 Original 2021 Regular Session Hensgens
Proposed law establishes the La. Equine Promotion and Research Program to support the growth and
development of the equine industry in Louisiana.
Proposed law defines the following terms:
(1)"Board" means the La. Equine Promotion and Research Advisory Board.
(2)"Commissioner" means the commissioner of agriculture and forestry.
(3)"Equine" means all members of the genus Equus, regardless of age, including horses, ponies,
mules, donkeys, and zebras.
(4)"Equine educational program" means any event focused on improving a participant's
understanding of equines.
(5)"Equine event" means any kind of show, exposition, contest, or tournament where equines
are shown competitively.
(6)"Equine facility" means any facility used to host equine events.
(7)"Equine industry member" means any person with an interest and background in the
requirements of owning, breeding, showing, or managing equines.
(8)"Equine performance" means any discipline within the equine industry where equines are
used competitively or in exhibition.
(9)"Equine research" means any scholarly activity conducted to collect scientific data utilizing
experimental design.
(10)"Program" means the La. Equine Promotion and Research Program.
(11)"Promotion of the equine industry" means the development of a comprehensive marketing
plan for the equine industry including a website, social media, and an advertising program
that includes all breeds, disciplines, and equine-related activities.
(12)"Therapeutic riding and rehabilitation center" means any Professional Association of
Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) accredited program that utilizes
equine-assisted activities to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, and social well-being of individuals.
(13)"Trail facility" means a facility with routes planned specifically for equine use through state
and national parks as well as necessary support areas such as camping facilities.
Proposed law creates the La. Equine Promotion and Research Advisory Board within the Dept. of
Agriculture and Forestry.
Proposed law provides that the board shall consist of eleven members appointed by the
commissioner as follows:
(1)One member who is engaged in the equine event business appointed from a list of three
persons nominated by the La. Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
(2)One member who is engaged in the trail facility business appointed from a list of three
persons nominated by the La. Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
(3)One member who is engaged in equine educational programs from an accredited
postsecondary education institution in Louisiana.
(4)One member engaged in the promotion of the equine industry appointed from a list of three
persons nominated by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
(5)One member who is engaged in equine research from an accredited postsecondary education
institution in Louisiana.
(6)Two members who are engaged in equine performance.
(7)Two members who are engage in equine racing.
(8)One member who is an owner or operator of a therapeutic riding and rehabilitation center
appointed from a list of three persons nominated by the La. Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
(9)One member who is an owner or operator of an equine facility appointed from a list of three
persons nominated by the La. Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
Proposed law requires the commissioner, the lieutenant governor, and the president of the La. Farm
Bureau Federation, Inc., or their designees, to serve as ex officio members in an advisory capacity
only.
Proposed law provides for the organization and administration of the board, including provisions for
nominations, the length of terms, vacancies, quorum requirements, expulsions, meeting
requirements, and the appointment of officers.
Proposed law prohibits members of the board from receiving any compensation. Proposed law requires the board to:
(1)Advise the commissioner on the development and maintenance of the La. Equine Promotion
and Research Program.
(2)Maintain a permanent record of its proceedings.
(3)Submit an annual report of its activities to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry,
Aquaculture, and Rural Development and the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry,
Aquaculture, and Rural Development by January first of each year.
Proposed law authorizes the board to:
(1)Provide information to governmental entities upon request on subjects of concern to the
equine industry and collaborate with the state or federal government on the development and
administration of the program.
(2)Cooperate with any local, state, regional, or national organization or agency engaged in
activities consistent with the objectives of the program.
Proposed law authorizes the commissioner to:
(1)Adopt rules and regulations as are necessary to administer the program.
(2)Enter into contracts or other agreements to accomplish any purpose authorized by proposed
law, including advertising, education, marketing, promotion, research, or services.
Proposed law authorizes the commissioner to accept and expend monies from any source, including
gifts, contributions, donations, state appropriations, and federal grants, and to accept and use services
from individuals, corporations, and governmental entities.
Proposed law requires all funds made available to the commissioner be expended only to effectuate
the purposes of proposed law, including the following uses:
(1)To attract national contests, shows, and equine events to Louisiana.
(2)To develop and promote equine tourism through the enhancement of equine trails and
camping facilities.
(3)To support therapeutic riding and rehabilitation programs.
(4)To develop educational programs and disseminate educational materials on the equine
industry.
(5)To support the enhancement and maintenance of public multi-use equine facilities. (6)To promote activities, facilities, events, and the needs of the Louisiana equine industry.
(7)To contract for scientific research with any accredited postsecondary education institution
or similar educational institution that will assist in carrying out the purposes of the program,
including equine health, welfare, management, reproduction, nutrition, and general
physiology.
Proposed law provides for the transfer of the board to the Dept. of Agriculture and Forestry as
provided by law.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 3:2071 - 2077 and R.S. 36:629(T))