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 661 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Bryant
Abstract: Requires charter boat fishing guides to carry commercial marine insurance and
establishes a fine for a first offense violation of charter fishing licensing requirements.
Present law requires that charter boat fishing guides possess and keep on his person while on the
water proof of liability insurance.
Proposed law requires that charter boat fishing guides possess and keep on his person while on the
water proof of commercial marine insurance.
Present law provides that a person violating the license requirements for charter fishing for a second
time will only be allowed to operate a vessel with a monitoring system for three years, and for a third
time will only be allowed to operate a vessel with a monitoring system for 10 years.
Proposed law adds a penalty for a first offense violation of the charter fishing licensing requirements
of up to $1000.
(Amends R.S. 56:302.9(A)(1) and (2) and (J)(1))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the original bill:
1. Make technical changes.
2. Remove requirement for freshwater charter fishing guides to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard
captain's license.
3. Reinstate language in current law requiring the Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to provide
written notification to freshwater charter fishing guides that they may be subject to
additional legal requirements, including the requirement to obtain a U.S. Coast Guard
captain's license.
4. Change the insurance requirement for charter fishing guides from liability insurance to
commercial marine insurance.