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 154 Original 2022 Regular Session Turner
Abstract: Provides for the authority of the Bayou D'Arbonne Lake Watershed District to prohibit
the operation of certain motor vessels on Lake D'Arbonne when the lake is above flood stage.
Present law authorizes the governing authority of any parish or municipality to prohibit the operation
of any motor vessel in an area that is flooded from a body of water that is above flood stage and
when the operation of the motor vessel may cause flooding of dwellings, camps, business
establishments, or similar structures.
Present law provides an exception for law enforcement officers, members of the National Guard,
commercial fishermen, and members of a rescue or disaster relief organization or group when any
such persons are in the exercise of their duties. Specifies that the provisions of present law do not
apply to a person who resides or owns property in or adjacent to the flooded area or his
representatives while engaged in caring or his life, family, or property, or the lives, families, or
property of his neighbors. Further specifies that the provisions of present law do not apply to a
company which operates in or adjacent to the flooded area or its representatives engaged in caring
for the lives of its employees or its property, provided entry is not denied by a law enforcement
officer or other person authorized to be within the area in the exercise of his duties.
Present law authorizes the governing authority of any parish or municipality to establish penalties
for violations of such ordinances in accordance with law.
Proposed law maintains present law and authorizes the Bayou D'Arbonne Lake Watershed District
to prohibit the operation of any motor vessel in an area that is flooded from Lake D'Arbonne when
the lake is above flood stage and when the operation of the motor vessel may cause flooding of
dwellings, camps, business establishments, or similar structures.
(Amends R.S. 34:851.25(A); Adds R.S. 38:2558(11)(f))