2026 Louisiana Legislature Bills Affecting Our Rivers

Keeping the public informed of Louisiana Bills affecting our rivers.

SB 331 by Senator Robert “Bob” Owen - Proposing a new exception to the Scenic Rivers Act for the Pearl River as follows:

§1855. Exceptions ‍ ‍‍ ‍

* Q. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law to the contrary, beginning August 1, 2026, through August 1, 2033, no provision of this Part shall:

(1) Prohibit the channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment, reservoir construction, or dredging operations for drainage purposes in the West Pearl River from Lock 1 to the Rigolets.

(2) Require a permit pursuant to R.S. 56:1849 for the channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment, reservoir construction, or dredging operations for drainage purposes in the West Pearl River from Lock 1 to the 17 Rigolets.

Pending

Senate Committee on Natural Resources: no hearing date

P.O. Box 94183
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
225-342-9703  
snatr@legis.la.gov  

HB 878 by Representative Robert Carter

Proposing to prohibit Carbon Sequestration under a designated Scenic Rivers.

Pending

House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment: No hearing date

Davillier, Ashley
Committee Administrative Assistant (225) 342-2411

email: davilliera@legis.la.gov

HB 235 by Representative Bryan FontenotTo enact R.S. 40:1281.27, relative to sewerage systems

This bill will allow individual homeowners to opt out of community sewerage systems that are privately owned and install their own individual home sewerage system.

Pending Committee on Health and Welfare : To be heard by Committee Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Committee Room 5, 9:00 am.

Neubrander, Kristy - Committee Administrative Assistant  (225) 342-2404

email: neubranderk@legis.la.gov