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 173 Engrossed 2025 Regular Session Illg
Abstract: Authorizes state park wardens to enforce litter laws statewide.
Present law authorizes state park wardens to enforce all rules and regulations of the Dept. of Culture,
Recreation and Tourism, office of state parks, and all laws of the state of La. within their jurisdiction.
Proposed law retains present law and authorizes state park wardens to enforce litter laws statewide
and to issue citations for littering by mail or in person.
Proposed law authorizes the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to bring a civil action to
recover penalties for intentional and simple littering citations.
Proposed law creates an adjudicatory hearing process and provides requirements for notice and
opportunity and for appeals to the judicial district court.
Proposed law provides for the judgment to become final for debt recovery purposes after time for
appeals has expired and assesses costs and attorney fees to anyone who is assessed a civil penalty.
Proposed law requires that any civil penalties recovered be deposited into the litter abatement
account within the Conservation Fund.
(Amends R.S. 56:1688(C); Adds R.S. 56:1688.1)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Natural Resources and
Environment to the original bill:
1. Authorize the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to bring a civil action to recover
penalties for intentional and simple littering citations and to promulgate and enforce the
rules and regulations necessary to carry out the process.
2. Create an adjudicatory hearing process and provides requirements for notice and
opportunity and for appeals to the judicial district court.
3. Provide for the judgment to become final for debt collection purposes after time for
appeals has expired and for the assessment of attorney fees and costs against anyone who is assessed a civil penalty.
4. Require that any civil penalties recovered be deposited into the litter abatement account
within the Conservation Fund.