reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:30.4. Geophysical and geological surveys

RS 56:30.4 - Geophysical and geological surveys
A. A person granted a permit to conduct geophysical and geological surveys of any kind on state-controlled lands, including water bottoms, shall not be assessed any additional fees to conduct operations on any designated oyster seed ground or reservation belonging to the state of Louisiana.
B. Each seismic exploration crew working in the state of Louisiana shall always be under the supervision of the seismic section of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The seismic operator shall be charged a fee of one hundred thirty-five dollars per crew per day.
C. Of the funds received by the department from geophysical and geological survey activity occurring on state lands, including water bottoms, under the provisions of R.S. 30:212(D) and the additional funds received by the department under the provisions of R.S. 30:136.1(D), an amount shall be used to plant shells for oyster cultch, rehabilitating areas damaged by operations, and as mitigation for any other damage to the coastal area. The determination of the amount to be so used shall be made in accordance with the provisions of LAC 76:I.301(T) and based upon the amount of geophysical and geological survey activity occurring on any designated oyster seed ground or reservation.
Acts 2000, 2d Ex. Sess., No. 8, §3.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:30.5. Notice to parish governing authorities

RS 56:30.5 - Notice to parish governing authorities
An applicant seeking a permit or permission to operate for geophysical and geological surveys related to exploration for the geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide shall notify the governing authority of the parish within which the proposed survey is to occur in accordance with rules promulgated by the department. The notice may be made by electronic mail to the parish president, police jury president, or mayor-president, depending on the form of parish government.
Acts 2023, No. 378, §2, eff. June 14, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:31. Class one violations

RS 56:31 - Class one violations
The following penalties shall be imposed for a class one violation:
(1) For the first offense, a fine of fifty dollars. The fine shall include all costs of court.
(2) For the second offense, a fine of not less than seventy-five dollars nor more than two hundred fifty dollars.
(3) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, a fine of not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred fifty dollars.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1988, No. 240, §1; Acts 1990, No. 899, §1; Acts 2001, No. 344, §1; Acts 2004, No. 253, §1, eff. July 1, 2004; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:31.1. Revocation of license; denial of license; penalties

RS 56:31.1 - Revocation of license; denial of license; penalties
A. Failure to pay all amounts assessed under this Part shall result in the immediate revocation of all recreational hunting and fishing licenses held by the offender. Such revocation of the offender's licenses and privileges shall continue, and no new recreational hunting or fishing licenses shall be issued during the period of time as any assessed amounts remain unpaid.
B. The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any person who has timely filed a suspensive appeal of the final judgment and during the pendency of the appeal.
C. Any person who purchases or obtains a recreational hunting or fishing license of any type or who engages in an activity which would otherwise require the purchase of a recreational hunting or fishing license during the period of revocation of his licenses and privileges pursuant to this Part shall be guilty of a class three violation, R.S. 56:33.
Acts 1990, No. 899, §1; Acts 1991, No. 885, §1; Acts 1992, No. 853, §1; Acts 1993, No. 80, §1; Acts 2001, No. 804, §2; Acts 2001, No. 805, §1; Acts 2004, No. 174, §1; Acts 2004, No. 253, §2, eff. July 1, 2006.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:32. Class two violation

RS 56:32 - Class two violation
Class two violations shall be divided into 2-A and 2-B violations.
(1) The following penalties shall be imposed for a class 2-A violation:
(a) For the first offense, the fine shall be not less than one hundred dollars nor more than three hundred fifty dollars.
(b) For the second offense, the fine shall be not less than three hundred dollars, nor more than five hundred fifty dollars.
(c) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than five hundred dollars nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars, and forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.
(2) The following penalties shall be imposed for a class 2-B violation:
(a) For the first offense, the fine shall be not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars.
(b) For the second offense, the fine shall be not less than five hundred dollars, nor more than eight hundred dollars, and forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.
(c) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than seven hundred fifty dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, and forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.
(d) In addition to any other penalty, for a second or subsequent violation of the same provision of law, the penalty imposed may include revocation of the permit or license under which the violation occurred for the period for which it was issued and barring of the issuance of another permit or license for that same period.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1988, No. 240, §1; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:32.1. Civil suit for recovery of value

RS 56:32.1 - Civil suit for recovery of value
A. The department is authorized to bring a civil action to recover the penalties established by R.S. 56:31 and 32 and R.S. 30:2531(B) and 2531.3.
B. The department may elect to enforce the provisions of R.S. 56:31 and 32 and R.S. 30:2531(B) and 2531.3 by adjudicatory hearing held in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall hold the adjudicatory hearing in the regional office for the parish where the defendant is domiciled or where the violation occurred. The defendant may waive the adjudicatory hearing upon payment of the fine.
C.(1) In any case where the department elects to proceed by adjudicatory hearing, the defendant shall be notified in writing of the time and place set for the hearing. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing may be given on any citation or summons issued in connection with the violation or made by certified letter mailed to the defendant at his last known address or at the address that appears on any hunting or fishing license issued to him by the department. The summons or written notice shall constitute notice to the defendant that the failure to appear at the specified time and location shall result in the assessment of civil penalties and the loss of all hunting and fishing privileges while assessed amounts remain unpaid. Notice given by certified mail in accordance with this Subsection shall be deemed effective fifteen days after the notice is postmarked and mailed.
(2) Either party may appeal from a ruling of the administrative hearing officer to the district court in the judicial district where the offense occurred.
(3) Once all appeals deadlines have expired, a ruling of the administrative law judge shall be considered final for the purposes of debt recovery or collection.
D. Except for first offenses of class one violations, the person against whom the civil penalties are assessed shall also be liable for attorney fees and all costs of the adjudicatory hearing.
E. Any recovery of civil penalties shall be immediately deposited to the Conservation Fund of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Acts 2021, No. 241, §1; Acts 2022, No. 17, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:33. Class three violation

RS 56:33 - Class three violation
The following penalties shall be imposed for a class three violation:
(1) For the first offense, the fine shall be not less than two hundred fifty dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisonment for not more than ninety days, or both;
(2) For the second offense, the fine shall be not less than five hundred dollars, nor more than eight hundred dollars, and imprisonment for not less than sixty days nor more than ninety days, and forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation;
(3) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than seven hundred fifty dollars, nor more than one thousand dollars, and imprisonment for not less than ninety days nor more than one hundred twenty days, and forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.
(4) In addition to any other penalty, for a second or subsequent violation of the same provision of law the penalty imposed may include revocation of the permit or license under which the violation occurred for the period for which it was issued and barring the issuance of another permit or license for that same period.
(5) Violation of a class three offense shall not preclude aid for training or sale of gear nor the obtaining of a rod or reel license or other net license for a subsequent period. The provisions of this Paragraph shall be applied retroactively.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1988, No. 240, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1413, §1, eff. July 15, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:34. Class four violation

RS 56:34 - Class four violation
A. The following penalties shall be imposed for a class four violation:
(1) For the first offense, the fine shall be not less than four hundred dollars nor more than nine hundred fifty dollars or imprisonment for not more than one hundred twenty days, or both.
(2) For the second offense, the fine shall be not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than nine hundred ninety-nine dollars and imprisonment for not less than ninety days nor more than one hundred eighty days.
(3) For the third offense and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than one thousand dollars, nor more than five thousand dollars, and imprisonment for not less than one hundred eighty days nor more than two years.
B. The above penalties in all cases shall include forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.
Acts 1983, No. 72, §1; Acts 1986, No. 503, §1; Acts 1988, No. 240, §1; Acts 1999, No. 154, §1; Acts 2005, No. 102, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:35. Class five violation

RS 56:35 - Class five violation
The following penalties shall be imposed for a class five violation, for the purpose of the mandatory jail sentence this class shall be divided into two Sections, 5-A and 5-B.
A. The fine for class 5-A violation shall be for the first offense not less than five hundred dollars nor more than seven hundred fifty dollars and shall be sentenced to serve not less than fifteen nor more than thirty days in jail; not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and not less than sixty nor more than ninety days in jail for the second offense. For the third and all subsequent offenses, the fine shall be not less than seven hundred fifty dollars nor more than one thousand dollars and shall serve not less than ninety nor more than one hundred twenty days in jail.
B. A class 5-B violation shall for the first offense be a fine of not less than three hundred and fifty dollars and not more than five hundred dollars and shall be imprisonment in jail for thirty days. For the second offense the violator shall be fined not less than five hundred dollars and not more than one thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned in jail for sixty days. For the third and all subsequent offenses, the violator shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars and not more than two thousand dollars and shall be imprisoned in jail for ninety days.
In addition to the above fines and jail sentences and for both classes 5-A and 5-B of class five violations, the license under which the violation occurred shall be revoked and shall not be reinstated at any time during the period for which it was issued and for one year thereafter.
The above penalties in all cases shall include forfeiture to the department of anything seized in connection with the violation.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:36. Class six violation

RS 56:36 - Class six violation
The following penalties shall be imposed for a class six violation. For each offense, the fine shall be not less than nine hundred dollars nor more than nine hundred fifty dollars, or imprisonment for not more than one hundred twenty days, or both, and shall include the forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1991, No. 525, §1; Acts 1995, No. 1034, §1; Acts 1999, No. 184, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:37. Class seven violation

RS 56:37 - Class seven violation
A. Class seven shall be divided into 7-A and 7-B violations.
(1) The following penalties shall be imposed for a class 7-A violation: For each offense, the fine shall be not less than five thousand dollars nor more than seven thousand five hundred dollars or imprisonment for one year, or both.
(2) The following penalties shall be imposed for a class 7-B violation: For each offense, the fine shall be not less than five thousand dollars nor more than seven thousand five hundred dollars and imprisonment for one year.
B. The penalties provided for in this Section shall include the forfeiture to the commission of anything seized in connection with the violation.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1991, No. 525, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:37.1. Class eight violation

RS 56:37.1 - Class eight violation
The following penalties shall be imposed for a class eight violation:
For each offense, the fine shall not be less than five thousand dollars nor more than seven thousand dollars and the violator may be imprisoned in jail for not less than sixty days nor more than six months.
Acts 1991, No. 868, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:38. Revocation of license

RS 56:38 - Revocation of license
A. In addition to all other penalties provided hereunder, whoever violates any provision of this Chapter in accordance with classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 upon conviction, may as otherwise provided in this Chapter have the license under which the violation occurred revoked for the period for which it was issued.
B. If the revocation set out in Subsection A of this Section is for a class 3 or lesser violation, it shall not preclude the obtaining of aid for training or sale of gear nor the obtaining of a rod or reel license or other net license for a subsequent period. The provisions of this Subsection shall be applied retroactively.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1413, §1, eff. July 15, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.1. Liability for value of fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and other wildlife and aquatic life

RS 56:40.1 - Liability for value of fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and other wildlife and aquatic life
A person who kills, catches, takes, possesses, or injures any fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and other wildlife and aquatic life in violation of this Title, or a regulation adopted pursuant to this Title, or a federal statute or regulation governing fish and wildlife, or who, through the violation of any other state or federal law or regulation, kills or injures any fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and other wildlife and aquatic life, is liable to the state for the value of each fish, wild bird, wild quadruped, and other wildlife and aquatic life, unlawfully killed, caught, taken, possessed, or injured.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.2. Value of fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and other wildlife and aquatic life

RS 56:40.2 - Value of fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and other wildlife and aquatic life
For purposes of this Subpart, the commission shall adopt rules to establish guidelines for determining the value of injured or destroyed fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and other wildlife and aquatic life and shall determine values for same based upon recommendations of department staff and other relevant factors.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.3. Civil penalties; assessment; administrative hearing

RS 56:40.3 - Civil penalties; assessment; administrative hearing
A. Whenever the department determines that a violation of R.S. 56:40.1 has occurred, resulting in liability of a person for the value of injured or destroyed wildlife or aquatic life, it shall demand restitution from him for the value of such wildlife or aquatic life, the value of which has been determined in accordance with R.S. 56:40.2. The offender shall be given written notice of the alleged violation and of the value of such injured or destroyed wildlife or aquatic life.
B. In lieu of filing a civil suit to recover the penalties provided for in this Subpart, the department may elect to enforce the provisions of this Subpart by adjudicatory hearing, held in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act. The department shall hold the adjudicatory hearing in the regional office for the parish where the defendant is domiciled or where the violation occurred. The defendant may waive the adjudicatory hearing upon payment of the amount demanded by the department.
C. In any case where the department elects to proceed by adjudicatory hearing, the defendant shall be notified in writing of the time and place of the adjudicatory hearing. Written notice of the time and place of the hearing may be given on any citation or summons issued in connection with the violation or made by certified letter mailed to the defendant at his last known address or at the address that appears on any hunting or fishing license issued to him by the department. The summons or written notice shall notify the defendant and shall constitute notice that the failure to appear at the specified time and location shall result in the assessment of civil penalties and result in the loss of all hunting and fishing privileges while assessed amounts remain unpaid. Notice given by certified mail in accordance with this Subsection shall be deemed effective fifteen days after the notice is mailed.
D. Either party may appeal from a ruling of the administrative hearing officer to the district court in the judicial district where the offense occurred.
E. A judgment from the administrative hearing shall become executory when all delays for appeal have expired according to the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and the Code of Civil Procedure.
F. The person against whom the civil penalties are assessed shall also be liable for attorney fees and all costs of the adjudicatory hearing.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2; Acts 1992, No. 852, §1; Acts 2001, No. 804, §2; Acts 2022, No. 124, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.4. Civil suit for recovery of value

RS 56:40.4 - Civil suit for recovery of value
The attorney for the department, attorney general, or the district attorney of the parish in which the violation occurred may bring a civil suit under this Subpart in the name of the state to recover civil penalties for the value of each fish, wild bird, wild quadruped, and other wildlife and aquatic life unlawfully killed, caught, taken, possessed, or injured.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.5. Venue and procedure

RS 56:40.5 - Venue and procedure
A. A suit for recovery of civil penalties brought under this Subpart may be brought either in the parish of the defendant's domicile or in the parish in which the violation occurred.
B. Either party may appeal from a final judgment of the court as in other civil cases.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.6. More than one defendant

RS 56:40.6 - More than one defendant
If more than one defendant is named in a suit or an adjudicatory proceeding brought under this Subpart, each defendant against whom judgment is rendered is jointly and severally liable for the recovery provided by this Subpart.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.7. Recovery of value in addition to fine

RS 56:40.7 - Recovery of value in addition to fine
A. The penalties and costs provided by this Subpart are in addition to any fine, forfeiture, other penalty, or costs imposed under any other provision of law.
B. Failure to pay all amounts assessed in accordance with this Subpart shall result in the immediate revocation of all hunting and fishing licenses held by the offender or, in the case of a commercial violation, the immediate revocation of all commercial licenses held by the offender. Revocation of the offender's licenses and privileges as authorized in this Title shall continue, and no new licenses shall be issued to replace those that were revoked for as long as any amount remains unpaid.
C. If the offender purchases or obtains a license of the type that was revoked or engages in any activity which would otherwise require him to obtain a license of the type that was revoked during the period of revocation provided for in Subsection B of this Section, it shall be a class three violation.
D. The provisions of Subsections B and C of this Section shall not apply to any person who has timely filed an appeal of a final ruling or judgment during the pendency of the appeal.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2; Acts 1992, No. 852, §1; Acts 2001, No. 804, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.8. Both civil suit and criminal prosecution permissible; exceptions

RS 56:40.8 - Both civil suit and criminal prosecution permissible; exceptions
The pendency or determination of a suit brought under this Subpart or the pendency or determination of a criminal prosecution for the same killing, catching, taking, possession, or injury does not bar the other action; provided that civil restitution paid pursuant to the provisions of Article 895.2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure or acquittal of a criminal prosecution for the same killing, taking, possession, or injury shall act as a bar to an assessment of civil penalties or a civil action to recover penalties under this Subpart.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2; Acts 1995, No. 137, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:40.9. Disposition of recovery

RS 56:40.9 - Disposition of recovery
A. Any recovery of civil penalties for injury to fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, and other wildlife and aquatic life shall be immediately deposited to the Conservation Fund of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and credited to the enforcement emergency situation response account within the fund. If the balance in the enforcement emergency situation response account at the end of any fiscal year is one hundred thousand dollars or more, then no monies derived from civil penalties for injury to fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds or other wildlife and aquatic life shall be deposited into the account until such time as the balance in the account at the end of a fiscal year is less than one hundred thousand dollars.
B. In any civil action brought by the district attorney pursuant to R.S. 56:40.4, the office of the district attorney shall receive forty percent of the amount collected.
Acts 1988, No. 169, §2; Acts 2003, No. 784, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:45. Jurisdiction of trial of violations

RS 56:45 - Jurisdiction of trial of violations
Except as provided in R.S. 56:32.1, the district courts of this state shall have original jurisdiction of the trial of persons charged with violations of this Chapter.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 2021, No. 241, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:46. Venue when river divides parishes

RS 56:46 - Venue when river divides parishes
If any offense under this Chapter is alleged to have been committed in a river dividing two parishes and the exact place of commission of the offense cannot be established, any court in either parish has territorial jurisdiction.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:47. Venue when offense committed in lake, bay, or other body of water

RS 56:47 - Venue when offense committed in lake, bay, or other body of water
If any offense under this Chapter is alleged to have been committed in any lake, bay, inlet, or other body of water bounded by more than one parish within the waters of this state, any court in any parish bordering on such waters has territorial jurisdiction.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:48. Venue when offense committed in the Gulf of Mexico

RS 56:48 - Venue when offense committed in the Gulf of Mexico
If any offense under this Chapter is alleged to have been committed in the Gulf of Mexico within the waters of the state, any district court in any parish bordering on the gulf shall have territorial jurisdiction. In addition, if any offense is alleged to have been committed in the Gulf of Mexico outside the state's territorial waters where the state holds jurisdictional authority over the fishing vessel under the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, 16 USC 1856, any district court in any parish bordering on the gulf shall have territorial jurisdiction.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1999, No. 547, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:49. Venue when exact place of vessel cannot be determined

RS 56:49 - Venue when exact place of vessel cannot be determined
Where the offense alleged relates to the operation of a vessel and the exact place of commission of the offense cannot be established, in addition to the venue provided in Sections 57 and 58, any court at the home port of the vessel has territorial jurisdiction.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:50. Venue; exception when exact place cannot be determined

RS 56:50 - Venue; exception when exact place cannot be determined
A. Where it is alleged that the exact place of commission of the offense cannot be established, no exception to the venue shall be sustained unless the place of commission of the offense is disclosed and such place would make the court in which the charge was brought an improper venue.
B. If the operator or owner professes ignorance of the jurisdiction, there shall be no change of venue from the place where the proceeding was begun.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:52. Issuance of search warrants

RS 56:52 - Issuance of search warrants
Judges of the city courts, district courts, and federal courts, and United States magistrates shall, within their respective jurisdictions, upon proper oath or affirmation, and upon probable cause shown, issue search warrants in aid of the enforcement of the laws or regulations under the jurisdiction of the commission and the department.
Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:53. Commissioned wildlife enforcement agents of the enforcement division may carry weapons

RS 56:53 - Commissioned wildlife enforcement agents of the enforcement division may carry weapons
Commissioned wildlife enforcement agents of the enforcement division of the department may carry weapons concealed or exposed while in the performance of their duties.
Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985; Acts 1999, No. 13, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:54. License requirements; enforcement by wildlife agents; arrest without warrant

RS 56:54 - License requirements; enforcement by wildlife agents; arrest without warrant
A. Wildlife enforcement agents of the enforcement division shall see that every person dealing in any way in any of the wildlife, fish, and game of the state in the territory assigned to him for which a license must be obtained, has in his possession, and is the owner of, an official license, and is in compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations under the jurisdiction of the department.
B. The secretary, deputy secretary, commissioned wildlife enforcement agents, any of the various sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, constables, deputy constables, marshals, and other police officers of this state may, without a warrant, arrest any person violating any of the laws or regulations under the jurisdiction of the department, or any other law of this state, and may immediately take such person in custody for examination or trial before any officer or court of competent jurisdiction of this state or of the United States, and may serve and execute any warrant or other process issued by any officer or court of competent jurisdiction of this state for the enforcement of such laws and regulations.
Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985; Acts 1999, No. 13, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:54.1. Prima facie evidence of violation of law

RS 56:54.1 - Prima facie evidence of violation of law
In all cases of arrest for violation of the game and fish laws, the possession of game, fish, nets, seines, or lines, tackle, or the possession or operation of any other device prohibited, is prima facie evidence of the violation.
Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:55. Search with or without warrant

RS 56:55 - Search with or without warrant
A. The secretary, the deputy secretary, or any commissioned wildlife enforcement agent of the enforcement division may visit, inspect, and examine, with or without search warrant, records, any cold storage plant, warehouse, boat, store, car, conveyance, automobile or other vehicle, airplane or other aircraft, basket or other receptacle, or any place of deposit for wild birds, wild quadrupeds, fish, or other aquatic life or any parts thereof whenever there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred.
B. Commissioned wildlife enforcement agents of the enforcement division are authorized to visit or inspect at frequent intervals without the need of search warrants, records, cold storage plants, bait stands, warehouses, public restaurants, public and private markets, stores, and places where wild birds, game quadrupeds, fish, or other aquatic life or any parts thereof may be kept and offered for sale, for the purpose of ascertaining whether any laws or regulations under the jurisdiction of the department have been violated. They also shall inspect establishments for commercial licenses required by the department to retail and/or wholesale commercial fish and bait fish where applicable under the provisions of this Chapter. The department may institute proceedings in any court of competent jurisdiction for violation of laws or regulations under its jurisdiction.
Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985; Acts 1999, No. 13, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:55.1. Toledo Bend Reservoir; assignment of officers

RS 56:55.1 - Toledo Bend Reservoir; assignment of officers
The department is authorized to enter into an agreement with the Sabine River Authority, for the permanent assignment of four commissioned wildlife officers and agents to the Toledo Bend Reservoir. Such officers and agents shall be authorized to enforce any laws under the jurisdiction of the department, including those conferred on duly commissioned wildlife officers and agents of the department, pursuant to this Subpart or pursuant to other law. The Sabine River Authority shall bear all costs of the salaries and related benefits, equipment, and land and water transportation expenses of such officers and agents for a period of two years, commencing September 1, 1992; thereafter, the department shall be responsible for all such costs and expenses of the four officers assigned to the Toledo Bend Reservoir. The officers assigned to the Toledo Bend Reservoir shall remain under the supervision and control of the department.
Acts 1992, No. 1088, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:55.2. Additional authority of commissioned wildlife enforcement agents

RS 56:55.2 - Additional authority of commissioned wildlife enforcement agents
A. To facilitate the effective protection of private and public rights and property and life throughout the state's waterways, sea, and land, duly commissioned wildlife enforcement agents of the enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries who have graduated from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement training academy, the Louisiana State University law enforcement training program, the Louisiana State Police Training Academy, or the University of Louisiana at Monroe law enforcement training program shall, in addition to the authority otherwise conferred by law upon such officers, be vested with the same authority and powers conferred by law upon other law enforcement officers of this state, provided that a qualification and requalification for firearms used be established within the department on at least an annual basis to insure the proficiency for firearms use by all officers vested with the authority and powers conferred herein.
B. The enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to seek, accept, and expend state or federal funds, or both, available for purposes of enforcement.
Acts 1989, No. 236, §1, eff. June 26, 1989; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 148, §8; Acts 1999, No. 13, §1; Acts 2001, No. 185, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:55.3. Boats maintained for enforcement; vehicle equipment

RS 56:55.3 - Boats maintained for enforcement; vehicle equipment
A. The department shall keep and maintain suitable boats for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Title.
B. Each state owned vehicle, operated by a classified wildlife enforcement agent or officer of the enforcement division who has enforcement authority as defined by R.S. 56:55.2, while acting in his official capacity or performing his duties, may be equipped with such devices as are provided for authorized emergency vehicles in R.S. 32:318(A), (C), (D), (E), and (F). However, the secretary may, at his discretion, exempt special vehicles from the provisions of this Section.
Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:56. Seizure or surrender of things illegally used or possessed

RS 56:56 - Seizure or surrender of things illegally used or possessed
A. Any enforcing officer may seize:
(1) Any animal or parts thereof, possessed, transported, sold, offered for sale, or purchased contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(2) Deer, bears, or wild turkey or parts thereof in the possession of any person which is not tagged or identified as required by this Title.
(3) Fish and other aquatic life, taken, possessed, transported, sold, offered for sale, or purchased contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(4) Traps, nets, cages, snares, explosives, guns and other devices placed, set, or otherwise used or possessed for the purpose of taking wild birds or quadrupeds contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(5) Tackle, seines and other nets, trawls, tongs, scrapers, and other equipment and devices used in taking of fish, shrimp, oysters, or other aquatic life contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(6) Oysters, shrimp, and hides and pelts of fur bearing animals and nongame quadrupeds which are subject to a tax imposed by this Title and on which the tax has not been paid or which are taken contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(7) Tackle and scrapers which are possessed or operated in an illegal manner or which are required by the provisions of this Title to be licensed or tagged and which are not so licensed or tagged or which are improperly tagged or which are taken contrary to the provisions of this Title.
(8) Tackle of any type or description, including without limitation such gear listed in R.S. 56:302, 302.5, or 305, which is used by a fisherman to take shrimp, oysters, fish, or other seafood for sale without possessing a commercial fisherman's license.
B. Any live animal which is illegal to possess or which may be possessed only by permit or license from the department may be voluntarily surrendered to the department without penalty. The person surrendering the animal shall be immune from prosecution for illegally possessing or possessing without a permit or license provided the surrendering of the animal is initiated prior to any independent investigation or contact by any public employee operating in their official capacity. The department may dispose of a surrendered animal in any manner the department deems appropriate.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1. Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985; Acts 1991, No. 888, §1, eff. July 23, 1991; Acts 2010, No. 157, §1; Acts 2016, No. 133, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:57. Seizure of vessels, airplanes, vehicles, and equipment

RS 56:57 - Seizure of vessels, airplanes, vehicles, and equipment
Any enforcing officer shall seize vessels, airplanes, vehicles, and all other means of transport and the equipment used or employed in the commission of offenses prohibited by this Chapter and taken into possession by the department.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:57.1. Forfeitures for fraud

RS 56:57.1 - Forfeitures for fraud
Where the proof shows that a license as a resident has been obtained by fraud or subterfuge, the vessels and equipment used under that license shall be forfeited by proceedings maintained as provided for the forfeiture of vessels in this Subpart.
Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:57.3. Licenses; fraudulent acquisition; penalty

RS 56:57.3 - Licenses; fraudulent acquisition; penalty
A. The issuance of a license is conditional upon the accuracy of all information submitted by the applicant on the application or license carrier. If the department finds any material misstatement of fact regarding the residency of the person to whom the license was issued, the license shall be voided and immediately surrendered to an agent of the department.
B. Any person, business, or corporation issuing or seeking to obtain a license shall comply with the licensing provisions of Subsection A hereof.
C. Any violation of this Section shall constitute a class three violation.
Acts 1993, No. 240, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:61. Disposition of things, other than vessels, airplanes, vehicles and equipment, confiscated or forfeited to the department

RS 56:61 - Disposition of things, other than vessels, airplanes, vehicles and equipment, confiscated or forfeited to the department
Things, other than vessels, airplanes, vehicles, and equipment, confiscated by the department or forfeited to the commission shall be disposed of under regulations to be established by the commission. The preferred disposition shall be by public sale, however, disposition may include gifts to schools or charitable institutions or destruction.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:62. Time limit for retention of things seized

RS 56:62 - Time limit for retention of things seized
Things which have been seized by the department may in any case be disposed of by the department by the methods authorized in R.S. 56:61 after having been held by the department for two years.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1997, No. 263, §1, eff. June 17, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:63. Proceeds of sales of things seized; commingling with conservation fund

RS 56:63 - Proceeds of sales of things seized; commingling with conservation fund
Where things seized by the department are sold, upon proper record of the sale being made and preserved, the proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the conservation fund to be used solely for uniform cleaning and the acquisition of equipment for enforcement agents. Any return of the proceeds thereafter required may be made from the conservation fund.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1991, No. 913, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:64. Proceeds of sales of things seized; no liability after two years

RS 56:64 - Proceeds of sales of things seized; no liability after two years
The department shall have no liability whatever for the return of the proceeds from the sale of things seized after the lapse of two years and may then destroy all records pertaining to the sale.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §1; Acts 1997, No. 263, §1, eff. June 17, 1997.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:65. No liability for acts performed in good faith

RS 56:65 - No liability for acts performed in good faith
A. Neither the department nor any enforcing officer, agent, or other employee of the department shall incur any liability whatsoever for any search, arrest, seizure, or other act done by him in the good faith performance of his duties under this Chapter. The attorney general may defend any employee of the department in any civil action in which the employee is a defendant as a result of acts performed in the course of his duties as an employee when the attorney general determines that the defense by the attorney general is required to protect the interests of the state.
B. If the attorney general does not defend an employee as provided in Subsection A of this Section, the attorney for the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries may so defend such employee. The department's attorney may also defend such employee in any criminal action in which the employee is a defendant as a result of acts performed in the course of his duties as an employee when the department determines that such defense is required to protect the interests of the state.
Acts 1983, No. 430, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:66. No criminal liability for covert operations officers

RS 56:66 - No criminal liability for covert operations officers
No enforcing officer within the covert operations section of the enforcement division shall be held criminally liable for any violation of Chapter 1 of this Title when said violation is committed in the course and scope of the enforcing officer's employment with the department, and is necessary for the effective performance of his duties. Enforcing officers must report any such violation to the secretary or his designee within twenty-four hours of its commission, where possible to do so, in order to receive the criminal immunity provided under this Section.
Acts 1985, No. 648, §1, eff. July 16, 1985.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:67. Enforcement of civil judgment

RS 56:67 - Enforcement of civil judgment
Judgments recovered on civil demands may be enforced according to law. No license for any purpose whatsoever shall be issued to the defendant by the commission or by any commission or office required to enforce the laws protecting natural resources, until such judgment is satisfied.
Acts 1985, No. 876, §3, eff. July 23, 1985.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:68. Aviation unit; powers and duties

RS 56:68 - Aviation unit; powers and duties
A. There is hereby created an aviation unit in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The unit created herein shall have authority of ownership, control, maintenance, and operation of all state-owned aircraft, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, used by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is authorized to appoint as many employees to the unit as may be permitted by legislative appropriation.
B. The law enforcement employees of the unit shall have the same duties and powers as are provided for other regularly commissioned officers of the enforcement division of the department as provided in R.S. 56:31 through R.S. 56:65 and such other duties and rank as are assigned by the secretary.
Acts 1985, No. 507, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:68.1. Federal enforcement officers; Avoyelles Parish; Cameron Parish; Calcasieu Parish

RS 56:68.1 - Federal enforcement officers; Avoyelles Parish; Cameron Parish; Calcasieu Parish
The secretary may enter into an agreement with the United States Department of the Interior and the National Marine Fisheries Service of the United States Department of Commerce to allow said secretary to issue special commissions to federal fish and wildlife agents. The commissions shall allow federal fish and wildlife agents to enforce Louisiana wildlife and fisheries laws, rules, and regulations only in Avoyelles Parish, Calcasieu Lake, and the federal wildlife refuges in Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes. The federal agents acting pursuant to such special commissions shall have the same powers and duties as are provided for regularly commissioned officers of the enforcement division of the department. These powers and duties shall include making arrests and conducting searches and seizures. Such federal agents shall also be granted the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities provided by this Subpart and shall be governed by departmental policies in the fulfillment of such powers and duties.
Acts 1991, No. 719, §1, eff. July 18, 1991; Acts 1993, No. 162, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:68.2. Federal enforcement; saltwater fisheries laws

RS 56:68.2 - Federal enforcement; saltwater fisheries laws
Commissioned law enforcement officers of the United States Department of the Interior and the National Marine Fisheries Service of the United States Department of Commerce shall have the same powers and duties as are provided for regularly commissioned officers of the enforcement division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to enforce any and all saltwater fisheries laws and regulations under the jurisdiction of the department, to make arrests, and to conduct searches and seizures. Such federal officers shall also be granted the rights, powers, privileges, and immunities provided by this Subpart in the fulfillment of such powers and duties.
Acts 1995, No. 1316, §2.