reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
LA Rev Stat § 56:634 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§634. Frogs; season; jacklights; restrictions on taking

RS 634 - Frogs; season; jacklights; restrictions on taking A. Frogs may be taken with the aid of a jacklight or any other visible light and by means of mechanical devices known as frog catchers. A person is also permitted to take frogs with devices that puncture the skin such as gigs and spears. No person shall carry or have in his possession any shotgun, rifle, or firearm while taking or hunting frogs during the nighttime. B. Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) and lagoon frogs or grunters (Rana grylio) may be taken year round except during the months of April and May. C. No person shall take or possess large bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) that are less than five inches in length, nor take or possess lagoon frogs or grunters (Rana grylio) that are less than three inches in length. The length is measured from the tip of the muzzle to the posterior end of the body between the hind legs. However, if a special permit is obtained from the department prior to the taking, such frogs under the legal size may be taken from privately owned ponds, impoundments, or waters by the owner thereof or his authorized representative and may be sold to other persons for purposes of stocking private waters, ponds, or impoundments. D. A violation of this Section shall constitute a class three violation, R.S. 56:33. Acts 1992, No. 256, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 604, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:635 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§635. Diamondback terrapins; trapping; turtle eggs

RS 635 - Diamondback terrapins; trapping; turtle eggs A. No person shall take diamondback terrapins by means of traps of any kind, and no person shall take the eggs of any species of turtle, except the red ear (Trachemys Scripta), wherever found. B. No person shall ship diamondback terrapins out of the state between the fifteenth of April and the fifteenth of June. All diamondback terrapins caught by any means whatsoever during that period shall be immediately returned to the water alive. Acts 1992, No. 256, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 604, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:636 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§636. License requirements; possession; nontransferability

RS 636 - License requirements; possession; nontransferability A. Persons taking reptiles or amphibians, whether recreationally or commercially, and persons involved in the reptile and amphibian industry, including wholesale/retail dealers and transporters shall be licensed in accordance with this Subpart. B. Persons engaged in an activity for which a license is required shall have in their immediate possession a valid, original license and shall show such license upon demand to a duly authorized agent of the department. C. Except as provided in this Subpart, licenses cannot be assigned or transferred or used by any other person. An officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Subpart shall take possession of any license found in the possession of any person other than the one to whom issued and shall deliver it to the department for cancellation. The license is thereupon void. D. The following applies to all licenses required by this Subpart: (1) No license may be issued until all information requested is supplied to the issuing agent. (2) Forms of acceptable payment for licenses shall be determined by the department. (3) No resident license may be issued prior to proof of Louisiana residency by the applicant. (4) The issuance of a license is conditional upon validation of all information on the application. If the department finds any material misstatement of fact regarding the residency of the applicant, the license is void and shall be immediately surrendered to an agent of the department. E. A violation of this Section is a class two violation. Acts 1995, No. 604, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:637 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§637. Records

RS 637 - Records  A. Wholesale/retail dealers shall keep in the English language records of:  (1) The quantity and species of reptiles and amphibians acquired, the date the reptiles or amphibians were acquired, and the name and license number of the collector, the wholesale/retail dealer, or the out-of-state seller from which the reptiles or amphibians were acquired.  (2) The quantity and species of reptiles or amphibians sold, the date sold, and the name and license number of the person to whom the reptiles or amphibians were sold. When the reptiles or amphibians are sold to the consumer, the records shall indicate the quantity, species, and date and shall state that the reptiles or amphibians were sold to the consumer.  B. Records required by this Section shall be maintained for three years and shall be open to inspection by the department.  C. All information, data, and statistics obtained by the department pursuant to this Section shall be used for the equitable and efficient administration and enforcement of the laws pertaining to the reptile and amphibian resources of the state and for conservation and management purposes.  D. The names, addresses, and license numbers of the collectors shall remain confidential, provided such information shall be available and used by the department for administrative and enforcement purposes.  E. Any wholesale/retail dealer who purchases reptiles or amphibians shall complete a commercial receipt form and return all commercial receipt forms to the department in the same manner as provided in R.S. 56:306.5(B) and 306.6.  Acts 1995, No. 604, §1; Acts 2016, No. 114, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:637.1 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§637.1. Definitions; applicability

RS 637.1 - Definitions; applicability  A. For purposes of this Subpart, the following words and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:  (1) "Box turtle" means any species of the genus Terrapene, that is indigenous to the state of Louisiana. This includes any hybrids of these species. All box turtles in Louisiana shall be deemed to be native to Louisiana.  (2) "Farm raised box turtle" means any box turtle that was hatched and raised on a turtle farm.  (3) "Turtle farm" means any pet turtle farm that is located and operating inside the state of Louisiana that is also licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to do business in this state.  (4) "Wild box turtle" means any box turtle not hatched and raised on a turtle farm. A box turtle shall be considered as wild unless a valid bill of sale, clearly demonstrating it to be a farm raised box turtle, is produced.  B. Administration; enforcement; penalties  (1) Commercial use of box turtles:  (a) With the exception of farm raised box turtles, no box turtle, no box turtle egg, or any part of a box turtle shall be sold, traded, or otherwise entered into commerce.  (b) There shall be no taking of wild box turtles for commercial purposes.  (c) Except as provided in Paragraph (2) of this Subsection, any violation of this Section shall be a class four violation, R.S. 56:34.  (2) Recreational use of wild box turtles. No more than two wild box turtles per day may be taken for recreational purposes, and no person shall have in his or her possession more than four box turtles at any time. A violation of this Paragraph shall constitute a class one violation, R.S. 56:31.  Acts 1999, No. 81, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:638.1 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§638.1. Fish conservation, management, and sustainability; legislative intent

RS 638.1 - Fish conservation, management, and sustainability; legislative intent Recognizing that there are ever-increasing numbers of both sport and commercial fishermen utilizing the waters of the state for recreational and commercial pursuits resulting in conflicts over limited space and competition for the same fish, and acknowledging that both the sport and commercial fishing industries are vital to the economy of the coastal region and the entire state, the fishery standards for conservation, management, and sustainability of all species of fish are hereby declared to be fair and in the best interest of the state. Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:638.2 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§638.2. Findings

RS 638.2 - Findings The state of Louisiana recognizes that: (1) Its fish resources are of great value and are renewable. These fish resources make many contributions to the state, including but not limited to the food supply, economy, and health of the state and recreational opportunities. With proper regulations of the harvest by fishermen, coupled with protection and enhancement of their freshwater, saltwater, and estuarine habitat, Louisiana's fish resources should be available to provide these benefits to the state indefinitely. (2) As a consequence of increased fishing pressure or other factors and because of the limitations of fish conservation, management, and sustainability practices, certain stocks of fish may have been or will become overfished. (3) The future productivity of renewable fish resources and their supporting habitats may be seriously jeopardized as a consequence of the continued loss of Louisiana coastal wetlands, or because of human actions affecting the functionality and value of the state's renewable fish resources and their supporting habitats. (4) Both commercial and recreational fishing constitute a major source of employment and contribute significantly to the economy of the state. Many coastal areas are dependent upon such fishing and related activities and their economies have been damaged by pollution, habitat degradation, or overfishing. (5) Fish resources are finite but renewable. If timely placed under sound management, the fisheries can be conserved and maintained so as to provide optimum and sustainable yields on a continuing basis. (6) A strong state program for the wise conservation, management, and sustainability of the fish resources of Louisiana is necessary to maintain plentiful fish populations, to prevent overfishing, to rebuild reduced stocks, to ensure conservation, and to realize their full potential. (7) The safe development or improvement of fisheries that are not fully or properly utilized by the Louisiana commercial and recreational fishermen and fishing industries should help to ensure that Louisiana benefits from the employment, food supply, recreation, and social and economic benefit that could be maintained or generated thereby, if pursued in such a fashion that is socially, scientifically, economically, anthropologically, and biologically sound for the state, the species, any related species, and their supporting habitats. (8) A strong state program is necessary to advocate the importance of the functionality and value of Louisiana's waters and coastal wetlands as estuary and habitat for fish resources, the social and economic value of these resources to the state and the nation, and the need to actively seek to avoid any net loss of this functionality and value. Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:638.3 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§638.3. Purposes

RS 638.3 - Purposes A. In order to implement the objectives and purposes of this Subpart, the commission shall: (1) Take timely action to conserve, manage, protect, and sustain fish species. (2) Promote the use of sound conservation, management, and sustainability principles in the regulation of commercial and recreational fishing. (3) Actively advocate, on behalf of the fish constituency, improvement of or no net loss of the functionality and value of the fisheries' habitat and estuary. (4) Provide for the preparation and implementation of fish management plans, including plans for habitats, estuaries, and their supporting ecosystems, in accordance with this policy that will prevent overfishing and will achieve and maintain plentiful fish populations to ensure, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield from each fishery while ensuring its sustainability. (5) Recognize that fish populations are subject to both natural and man-induced increases and decreases, and that changes in harvest levels may need to be recommended. If changes are required, these increases and decreases should be distributed among all fishermen in a fair and equitable manner that considers among other factors historical usage, ensuring that no historical user groups will be arbitrarily excluded. B. A sustainable fishery is one that is scientifically monitored and actively managed to be viable today and in the future, conserving fish and their environment and supporting the communities and economies that depend upon these resources. Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:638.4 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§638.4. Policy

RS 638.4 - Policy The policy of the state of Louisiana is hereby declared to be the following: Stewardship of the state's renewable fish resources shall have as its utmost concern the continued health and abundance of the resource and its habitat, shall provide for optimum sustained benefits to the state, shall be responsive to the needs of interested and affected citizens, shall ensure the proper and fair utilization of these resources for the citizens of the state in present and future generations, shall preserve the state's exclusive right to manage the fisheries within or beyond its jurisdiction, shall be based on the best scientific and technical information available. In addition, such stewardship of the state's fish resources shall draw upon federal, state, and academic capabilities and promote efficiency in carrying out research, administration, management, and enforcement. Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:638.5 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§638.5. Fishery standards

RS 638.5 - Fishery standards The commission shall adopt such rules and regulations consistent with the authority granted by this Chapter and in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, for the harvesting, conservation, management, and sustainability of all species of fish, in accordance with the following standards: (1) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures shall prevent overfishing while achieving, on a continuing basis, the optimum yield while maintaining healthy, plentiful stocks. In fact, every effort will be made at all times to prevent a harvest from exceeding the safe upper limit of harvests which can be taken consistently year after year without diminishing the stocks so that the stock is truly inexhaustible and perpetually renewable. (2) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures shall be based upon the best scientific, economic, biological, anthropological, and sociological information available. (3) To the extent practicable, an individual stock or unit of fish shall be managed as a unit throughout its range within the state's jurisdictional authority and interrelated stocks of fish and other renewable fish resources shall be managed in close coordination while considering their supporting habitats. (4) If it becomes necessary to allocate or assign fishing privileges among various fishermen, such allocations to the extent practicable shall be: (a) Fair and equitable to all such fishermen. (b) Reasonably calculated to promote conservation. (c) Carried out in such a manner that no particular individual, corporation, or other legal entity acquires an excessive share of such privileges. (d) In the best interest of the citizens of Louisiana. (5) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures shall, where practicable, promote efficiency in the conservation, management, and sustainability of fish resources; except that no such measure shall have economic allocation as its sole purpose. (6) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures shall, where practicable, minimize costs and avoid unnecessary duplication. (7) Conservation, management, and sustainability measures may take into account and allow for variations among, and contingencies in, fisheries, resources, and catches. Acts 1991, No. 708, §1; Acts 2014, No. 553, §1.
LA Rev Stat § 56:639.1 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§639.1. Title

RS 639.1 - Title  This Subpart shall be known and may be cited as the "Louisiana Fishing Enhancement Act".  Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
LA Rev Stat § 56:639.2 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§639.2. Purposes

RS 639.2 - Purposes   The purpose of this Subpart is to promote and facilitate effective establishment and maintenance of artificial reefs in the offshore waters of Louisiana, as provided in this Subpart and in compliance with the National Fishing Enhancement Act. It is the further purpose of this Subpart to provide for the jurisdiction and cooperation of various state agencies in the implementation of any plan or program developed pursuant to this Subpart.  Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
LA Rev Stat § 56:639.3 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§639.3. Definitions

RS 639.3 - Definitions  As used in this Subpart, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:  (1) "Artificial reef" means a structure or system of structures which is constructed, placed, or permitted in waters covered under this Subpart for the purpose of enhancing fishery resources and commercial and recreational fishing opportunities.  (2) "CCEER" means Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environmental Resources. (3) "Department" means the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  (4) REPEALED BY ACTS 1993, NO. 271, §2.  (5) "Initiative" means the Artificial Reef Initiative at Louisiana State University, which is developing a Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Plan.  (6) "National Fishing Enhancement Act" means the federal artificial reef development legislation, PL 98-623, Title II.  (7) "Reef materials" means any materials allowed under the National Artificial Reef Plan, adopted pursuant to the National Fishing Enhancement Act for construction of artificial reefs.  (8) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.  (9) "Waters covered under this Subpart" means the navigable waters of Louisiana and waters of the federal exclusive economic zone adjacent to Louisiana waters.  (10) REPEALED BY ACTS 1993, NO. 271, §2.  (11) "Sea Grant" means the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program. Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986; Acts 1993, No. 271, §§1, 2.
LA Rev Stat § 56:639.4 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§639.4. Establishment of standards

RS 639.4 - Establishment of standards  Artificial reefs in waters covered under this Subpart shall be sited, constructed, and subsequently maintained, monitored, and managed based upon the best scientific information available, and in a manner which shall:  (1) Enhance and conserve fishery resources to the maximum extent practicable.  (2) Facilitate access and utilization by Louisiana recreational and commercial user groups.  (3) Minimize conflicts among competing uses of waters covered under this Subpart and the resources in such waters.  (4) Minimize environmental risks and risks to personal and public health and property.  (5) Be consistent with generally accepted principles of international law and national fishing law, and not create any unreasonable obstructions to navigation.  Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986.
LA Rev Stat § 56:639.5 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§639.5. Artificial Reef Development Program; authorities and responsibilities of cooperating agencies

RS 639.5 - Artificial Reef Development Program; authorities and responsibilities of cooperating agencies  A. There is hereby created the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Program, hereinafter called the "program", to promote, develop, maintain, monitor, and enhance the artificial reef potential in the waters covered under this Subpart. The department, CCEER, and Sea Grant shall be primary participants in this program and shall operate out of the Artificial Reef Development Fund under the direction of the department.  B.(1) The department shall administer and enforce the program as provided in this Subpart and in accordance with the National Fishing Enhancement Act. The department shall:  (a) Plan and review permit applications with advice from CCEER. (b) Coordinate with relevant state and federal agencies.  (c) Hold joint public hearings on proposed reefs.  (d) Oversee maintenance and placement requirements of the reefs. (e) Develop additional technical information needed to carry out the program.  (2) The department shall also serve as liaison with the United States Department of the Interior regarding interaction of the program with federal outercontinental shelf leasing and production activities.  C. CCEER shall provide technical support to the department for program development. CCEER shall additionally:  (1) Prepare, update, and provide the department with technical, biological, and operational criteria for site selection and development.  (2) Assist the department in preparing permit applications for artificial reefs.  (3) Assist in biological monitoring.  (4) Evaluate and recommend reef sites.  (5) Evaluate reef potential and design.  (6) Update exclusion mapping.  (7) Promote public awareness of the program.  (8) Provide geotechnical support for reef siting by determining bottom suitability and identifying geologic hazards, evaluating the potential for future oil, gas, and other mineral production in reef sites, and by analyzing the potential for using artificial reefs to supplement the state's coastal protection efforts.  D. REPEALED BY ACTS 1993, NO. 271, §2.  E. The Louisiana Sea Grant College Program shall coordinate fisheries research projects that might be proposed by Louisiana universities to support the program.  Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986; Acts 1993, No. 271, §§1, 2.
LA Rev Stat § 56:639.6 (2021)
2021 Louisiana Laws|Revised Statutes|Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries|§639.6. Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council

RS 639.6 - Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council  A. To oversee the program, there is hereby created the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Council, hereinafter referred to as the "council", which shall be within the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The council will be composed of the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the executive director of CCEER, and the executive director of Sea Grant, or their designees. The council shall select a chairman.  B. The council is empowered to oversee development and implementation of the Louisiana Artificial Reef Development Plan. The council is charged with providing guidance to the department on policy and procedural matters concerning the program and shall make recommendations to the department regarding the allocation of funds to various program components.  Acts 1986, No. 100, §1, eff. June 23, 1986; Acts 1993, No. 271, §1.