The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Senate Legislative Services. The keyword,
summary, 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)]
DIGEST
SB 85 Original 2025 Regular Session Wheat
Present law provides for establishment of maritime navigation zones wherein watercraft must
operate at the slowest speed at which control can be maintained. Further designates such zones with
inconsistent terms.
Proposed law retains present law and applies the term "no-wake zone" to such zones uniformly in
statute.
Present law provides that the governing authority of any parish or municipality may establish and
post speed limits on waterways with its jurisdiction, except the Mississippi River, the Mississippi
River Gulf Outlet, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and requires such speed limits to be posted
on the waterway.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that governing authorities may establish and post no-wake
zones on the same waterways. Further provides that establishment of a no-wake zone by a parish or
municipal governing authority shall not preempt state law establishing, limiting, or prohibiting no-
wake zones.
Effective August 1, 2025.
(Amends R.S. 34:851.4(A)(17), 851.14.1(A), and 851.27(B)(1) and (3) and (C), and R.S.
38:3086.24(F)(2)(a))