reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69. Exemptions from traffic regulations

RS 56:69 - Exemptions from traffic regulations
A. A Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement agent, while carrying out his official duties, may exercise the privileges set forth in this Section, but subject to the conditions set forth in this Section.
B. With respect to an official department vehicle while being used in an ongoing effort to apprehend persons suspected of violating the laws of this state or federal laws relating to wildlife or fish, an enforcement agent may:
(1) Park irrespective of the provisions of the Louisiana Highway Regulatory Act or other law so long as he does not endanger life or property.
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down or stopping as may be necessary so that the agent does not endanger life or property.
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property.
(4) Disregard regulations governing the direction of movement or turning in specified directions so long as he does not endanger life or property.
(5) Operate his vehicle at night without any lights or with reduced lights so long as he does not endanger life or property.
C. In all cases where life or property would otherwise be endangered audible and visual signals sufficient to warn motorists shall be used.
D. Nothing contained herein shall relieve an enforcement agent of the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such provisions protect the enforcement agent from the consequences of his reckless disregard for the safety of others.
Acts 1990, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.1. Purpose

RS 56:69.1 - Purpose
A. Law enforcement is an important tool in effective wildlife and fisheries management. Louisiana's extensive natural resources and the large numbers of resource users cause enforcement to become especially critical. However, costs associated with enforcement often prevent the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries from providing enforcement adequate to meet needs.
B. The purpose of this Subpart, then, is to create and to provide a means whereby auxiliary enforcement agents can supplement the efforts of wildlife agents of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.2. Definitions

RS 56:69.2 - Definitions
For purposes of this Subpart, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(1) "Auxiliary agent" means an individual commissioned by the secretary who has the powers and duties of a wildlife agent, within limitations as provided by this Subpart, but who serves without compensation. Auxiliary shall include the following persons provided in this Subpart: wildlife volunteer, junior auxiliary agent, senior auxiliary agent, and reserve agent.
(2) "Commission" means the official authorization of the secretary empowering an individual to perform the duties of an auxiliary enforcement agent.
(3) "POST" means peace officer standards and training, as that term is used in R.S. 40:2401 et seq.
(4) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
(5) "Wildlife agent" means an agent of the enforcement division of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.3. Commissions and commissioning

RS 56:69.3 - Commissions and commissioning
A. The secretary may commission auxiliary agents under the provisions of this Subpart to supplement the efforts of wildlife agents to the degree necessary to adequately protect the state's wildlife and fishery resources. However, at no time shall there be more than fifty active commissioned auxiliary agents.
B.(1) The secretary shall have the sole authority to commission auxiliary agents, and to revoke the commission of any auxiliary agent as provided in this Subpart.
(2) No commission shall be issued for a period greater than one year but may be renewed as provided by R.S. 56:69.7.
C. The secretary shall develop plans and procedures for implementing, administering, and managing the auxiliary law enforcement program which shall include requirements that each auxiliary agent:
(1) Perform his duties under the supervision or direction of a wildlife agent within the enforcement division.
(2) Be evaluated on an annual basis.
(3) Perform his duties for a minimum of twenty-four hours per month.
(4) Provide evidence of insurance coverage pursuant to R.S. 56:69.12(C).
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.4. Requirements for commissioning

RS 56:69.4 - Requirements for commissioning
No commission shall be issued to an individual who has not made written application to the secretary, on forms developed by the secretary. No person under the age of twenty-one shall be commissioned as an auxiliary agent. Each applicant shall be required to complete the following:
(1) An extensive background investigation performed by the department which, at the very least, shall assure that no commission is issued to an individual who was ever convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor, or any wildlife or fishery violation.
(2) A written examination designed to show competency in general knowledge matters and a basic understanding of wildlife and fisheries.
(3) Any other requirements the secretary may adopt by rule and regulation.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.5. Training

RS 56:69.5 - Training
A. Each person accepted into the auxiliary program shall be commissioned as a wildlife volunteer while attending and participating in the training program. Failure to attend and participate in training shall be grounds to revoke a wildlife volunteer commission. Requirements for training may be waived if the auxiliary agent was previously certified by the POST Council, successfully completes a refresher course as described in R.S. 56:69.7(D), and passes the examination required by R.S. 56:69.6(A).
B. No wildlife volunteer shall perform any enforcement duties until he has successfully completed the training program provided in Subsection C. While in the training program, a wildlife volunteer may perform assigned, nonenforcement tasks and may wear a uniform.
C.(1) The secretary shall develop minimum training standards for the auxiliary enforcement program. This program shall be composed of such standards and curriculum sufficient to be recognized as a valid peace officer's training program by the Louisiana Council on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Council) and shall be designed to prepare auxiliary agents for field work. Standards for training shall include but not be limited to the following:
(a) Fish and wildlife laws, regulations, and rules.
(b) Firearms qualification.
(c) Arrest, search, and seizure.
(d) Use of force.
(e) Officer survival.
(f) First aid.
(g) Investigation and evidence.
(h) Civil liability of peace officers.
(i) Reports and court testimony.
(2) Any program conducted by a POST-certified training academy or by the department under the provisions of this Subpart shall satisfy the training requirements of the auxiliary enforcement training program.
(3) No other training program shall be acceptable in satisfying the requirements of this Subpart unless approved by the secretary.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.6. Probation

RS 56:69.6 - Probation
A. An auxiliary agent who has satisfied the minimum training standards required in R.S. 56:69.5, shall be commissioned as a junior auxiliary agent and shall serve as such for a probationary period of one year. This probationary period shall provide the junior auxiliary agent with on-the-job training under the supervision and direction of a wildlife agent.
B. During the one-year probationary period, a junior auxiliary agent shall have all the powers prescribed for an auxiliary agent in R.S. 56:69.10 except that he shall perform enforcement duties only when in the company of and under the direct supervision of the wildlife agent to whom he has been assigned.
C. Upon completion of the probationary period, the wildlife agent to whom the junior auxiliary agent has been assigned shall evaluate the auxiliary agent and recommend that the secretary renew or revoke the agent's commission. Nothing herein shall prevent the wildlife agent who has been assigned to supervise the junior auxiliary agent from recommending revocation of a commission at any time during the probationary period.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.7. Renewal of commissions

RS 56:69.7 - Renewal of commissions
A. The secretary may renew each commission of an auxiliary agent for one year provided the auxiliary agent satisfies the following requirements:
(1) Receive a favorable recommendation from his supervising wildlife agent.
(2) Requalify on the POST firearms course.
(3) Attend seminars, workshops, or other meetings on wildlife and fisheries enforcement matters which may be required by the enforcement division.
(4) Complies with any other rule or regulation as may be required by the secretary.
B. Any auxiliary agent receiving an unfavorable recommendation from his supervising wildlife agent may request that the enforcement division appoint a hearing panel to review the case, pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the secretary. The findings of the hearing panel shall preempt any recommendation of the supervising agent.
C. Commissions shall be renewed as follows depending upon the level of experience and training of an auxiliary agent:
(1) Wildlife volunteer. A wildlife volunteer is a person enrolled in the auxiliary agent program but who has not satisfactorily completed the auxiliary agent training program.
(2) Junior auxiliary agent. A junior auxiliary agent is a person who has successfully completed the probationary period required in R.S. 56:69.6 but who has not reached the level of training and experience required of a senior auxiliary agent. Each junior auxiliary agent shall work with and under the direct supervision of a wildlife agent.
(3) Senior auxiliary agent. A senior auxiliary agent is a person who has served as an auxiliary agent for a minimum of four hundred eighty hours, including his probationary period, and who has demonstrated proficiency in individual operational specialties as may be designated by the secretary. A senior auxiliary agent may work alone, but only at the direction of a wildlife agent.
(4) Reserve agent. A reserve agent is a person who complies with the provisions of R.S. 56:69.9.
D. Any individual who has not participated in the auxiliary agent program for two or more years may apply for renewal of a commission provided he complies with the following requirements:
(1) Successful completion of a refresher training course approved by the department, which shall include but not be limited to the following items:
(a) Fish and wildlife law, regulations, and rules.
(b) POST firearms requalification.
(2) Pass the written examination provided in R.S. 56:69.6(A).
(3) Complete an investigation into his background for the period of his nonparticipation in the auxiliary agent program.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.8. Revocation of commissions

RS 56:69.8 - Revocation of commissions
A. The secretary shall revoke a commission at any time for the following reasons:
(1) The auxiliary agent is convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor, or any wildlife or fishery violation.
(2) The auxiliary agent fails to perform a minimum of twenty-four hours per month as an auxiliary agent, unless written permission is obtained from his supervising wildlife agent.
(3) The auxiliary agent receives an unfavorable recommendation from his supervisor or the hearing panel as provided in R.S. 56:69.7(B).
(4) The auxiliary agent fails to maintain the minimum insurance coverage as provided in this Subpart.
(5) The auxiliary agent fails to comply with any other rule or regulation as may be required by the secretary.
B. The secretary may, in his discretion, revoke a commission for the following reasons:
(1) An auxiliary agent violates departmental policy.
(2) An auxiliary agent engages in misconduct or insubordination.
(3) Noncompliance with any other rule or regulation as may be required by the secretary.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
{{NOTE: SUBSECTION (A)(5) AND (B)(3) APPEAR TO CONFLICT.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.9. Reserve agent

RS 56:69.9 - Reserve agent
A. Any person who was a wildlife enforcement agent with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and who retired or otherwise left the department in good standing but who has maintained his certification by the POST Council or any other person who is a peace officer who has maintained his certification by the POST Council may be commissioned as a reserve agent under the provisions of this Subpart.
B. The secretary may commission a reserve agent as provided herein if the person satisfies the requirements of R.S. 56:69.7 as may be determined necessary by the secretary.
C. Each reserve agent shall have all the powers of and may function as a wildlife agent, but shall receive no compensation for his participation as a reserve agent in the auxiliary agent program.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.10. Powers and duties of auxiliary agents

RS 56:69.10 - Powers and duties of auxiliary agents
A. Each auxiliary agent shall have the same enforcement powers as a wildlife agent, subject to the limitations provided in this Subpart, except that he shall be limited only to wildlife and fisheries enforcement on land.
B. Each auxiliary agent may be allowed to carry weapons concealed or exposed while in the performance of his duties as provided for commissioned employees of the department under R.S. 56:53.
C. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, an auxiliary agent shall not have any enforcement powers or authority as a wildlife agent unless he is on duty and is working under the supervision and direction of a wildlife agent.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.11. Compensation

RS 56:69.11 - Compensation
No person commissioned under the provisions of this Subpart shall receive any compensation for time or expenses incurred while in training or while in the performance of his duties as an auxiliary agent. The department may provide each auxiliary agent with a uniform and pay tuition costs to attend a training program required by R.S. 56:69.5(C).
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.12. Liability

RS 56:69.12 - Liability
A. The provisions of Chapter 10 of Title 23 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, pertaining to worker's compensation, shall not apply to and there is specifically excluded from the operation thereof, any auxiliary enforcement agent commissioned pursuant to the provisions of this Subpart.
B. An auxiliary agent shall provide evidence of insurance coverage for personal health and accident insurance. The department shall provide comprehensive general liability insurance, including personal injury coverage for third parties.
Acts 1990, No. 498, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.23. Procedures for issuing citations in relation to the Wildlife Violators Compact

RS 56:69.23 - Procedures for issuing citations in relation to the Wildlife Violators Compact
A. When issuing a citation for a wildlife violation, a wildlife officer shall issue a citation to a person whose home state is another participating state in the same manner as if the person were a resident of the issuing state and shall not require the person to post collateral to secure appearance, subject to the exceptions set forth in Subsection B of this Section, provided that the wildlife officer receives the personal recognizance of the person that he will comply with the terms of the citation. Nothing herein shall prohibit physical arrests if the wildlife officer deems necessary.
B. Personal recognizance is acceptable, if both are present:
(1) If not prohibited by local law or the compact manual.
(2) If the violator provides adequate proof of identification to the wildlife officer.
C. Upon conviction or failure of a person to comply with the terms of a citation, the appropriate official shall report the conviction or failure to comply with the licensing authority of the issuing state. The report shall be made in accordance with procedures specified by the issuing state and shall contain information as specified in the compact manual as minimum requirements for effective processing by the home state.
D. Upon receipt of the report of a conviction or noncompliance pursuant to Subsection C of this Section, the licensing authority of the issuing state shall transmit to the licensing authority of the home state of the violator the information in the form and with the content as prescribed in the compact manual.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.24. Procedure for the home state

RS 56:69.24 - Procedure for the home state
A. Upon receipt of a report from the licensing authority of an issuing state reporting the failure of a person to comply with the terms of a citation, the licensing authority of the home state shall:
(1) Notify the person.
(2) Initiate a suspension action in accordance with the home state's suspension procedures.
(3) Suspend the person's license privileges until satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the citation has been furnished by the issuing state to the home state licensing authority.
B. Due process safeguards shall be accorded to alleged violators.
C. Upon receipt of a report of conviction from the licensing authority of the issuing state, the licensing authority of the home state shall enter the conviction as though it occurred in the home state for the purposes of the suspension of license privileges.
D. The licensing authority of the home state shall:
(1) Maintain a record of actions taken.
(2) Make reports to issuing states as provided in the compact manual.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.25. Reciprocal recognition of suspension

RS 56:69.25 - Reciprocal recognition of suspension
A. A participating state shall recognize the suspension of license privileges of a person by another participating state as though the violation resulting in the suspension satisfies each of the following:
(1) Had occurred in the home state.
(2) Could have been the basis of the suspension of license privileges in the home state.
B. A participating state shall communicate suspension information to other participating states in the form and with the content as contained in the compact manual.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.26. Applicability of other laws

RS 56:69.26 - Applicability of other laws
Except as expressly required by provisions of the Wildlife Violator Compact, nothing herein shall be construed to affect the right of a participating state to apply its laws relating to license privileges to a person or circumstance or to invalidate or prevent an agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a participating state and a nonparticipating state concerning wildlife law enforcement. No provision of this Subpart shall be construed as to affect the ability to arrest, seizure of equipment, evidence as provided by law, or any other provision of this Title.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.27. Compact administrator procedures

RS 56:69.27 - Compact administrator procedures
A. A board of compact administrators is established to:
(1) Administer the provisions of this compact.
(2) Serve as a governing body for the resolution of all matters relating to the operation of the Wildlife Violator Compact.
B. The board shall be composed of one representative, to be known as the "compact administrator" from each of the participating states.
C. A compact administrator shall be an enforcement agent appointed by the secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
D. A compact administrator may provide for the discharge of his duties and the performance of his functions by an alternate.
E. An alternate shall not be entitled to serve unless written notification of his identity has been given to the board of compact administrators.
F. Each member of the board of compact administrators shall be entitled to one vote.
G. An action of the board of compact administrators shall not be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of the board's votes is cast in favor thereof.
H. Action by the board of compact administrators shall be taken only at a meeting at which a majority of the participating states are represented.
I. The board of compact administrators shall elect annually from its membership a chairman and vice chairman.
J. The board of compact administrators shall adopt bylaws not inconsistent with the provisions of the Wildlife Violator Compact or the laws of a participating state for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind its bylaws.
K. The board of compact administrators may accept for its purposes and functions under the Wildlife Violator Compact donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or a governmental agency, and may receive, use, and dispose of the donations and grants.
L. The board of compact administrators may contract with or accept services or personnel from a governmental or intergovernmental agency, individual, firm, corporation, or a private nonprofit organization or institution.
M. The board of compact administrators shall formulate all necessary procedures and develop uniform forms and documents for administering the provisions of the Wildlife Violator Compact. All procedures and forms adopted pursuant to board action shall be contained in a compact manual.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.28. Entry into and withdrawal from the Wildlife Violator Compact

RS 56:69.28 - Entry into and withdrawal from the Wildlife Violator Compact
A. The Wildlife Violator Compact shall become effective at the time it is adopted in substantially similar form by two or more states.
B. Entry into the Wildlife Violator Compact shall be made by resolution of ratification by the authorized officials of the applying state and submitted to the chairman of the board of compact administrators.
C. The resolution shall substantially be in the form and content as provided in the compact manual and shall include all of the following:
(1) A citation of the authority from which the state is empowered to become a party to the Wildlife Violator Compact.
(2) An agreement of compliance with the terms and provisions of this compact.
(3) An agreement that compact entry is with all states participating in the Wildlife Violator Compact and with all additional states that legally become a party to the Wildlife Violator Compact.
D. The effective date of entry shall be specified by the applying state but shall not be less than sixty days after notice has been given to each participating state that the resolution from the applying state has been received by either of the following:
(1) The chairman of the board of compact administrators.
(2) The secretary of the board of compact administrators.
E. A participating state may withdraw from participation in the Wildlife Violator Compact by official written notice to each participating state, but withdrawal shall not become effective until ninety days after the notice of withdrawal is given. No withdrawal of any state shall affect the validity of the Wildlife Violator Compact as to the remaining participating states.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.29. Amendments to the Wildlife Violator Compact

RS 56:69.29 - Amendments to the Wildlife Violator Compact
A. The Wildlife Violator Compact may be amended from time to time. Amendments shall be presented in resolution form to the chairman of the board of compact administrators and shall be initiated by one or more participating states.
B. Adoption of an amendment shall require endorsement by all participating states and shall become effective thirty days after the date of the last endorsement.
C. Failure of a participating state to respond to the chairman of the board of compact administrators within one hundred twenty days after receipt of a proposed amendment shall constitute endorsement thereof.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.30. Licensing authority; rules and regulations

RS 56:69.30 - Licensing authority; rules and regulations
A. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is designated as the licensing authority in Louisiana for the purposes of the Wildlife Violator Compact.
B. The secretary of the department through its compact administrator shall furnish to the appropriate authorities of the participating states any information or documents reasonably necessary to facilitate the administration of the Wildlife Violator Compact.
C. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission may adopt rules and regulations to implement and administer the provisions of the Wildlife Violator Compact.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:69.31. Construction and severability

RS 56:69.31 - Construction and severability
A. The Wildlife Violator Compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes stated herein.
B. The provisions of the Wildlife Violator Compact shall be severable, and if a phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of that compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of a participating state or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to a government, agency, individual, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the compact shall not be affected thereby.
C. If the Wildlife Violator Compact is held contrary to the constitution of a participating state, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the participating state affected regarding all severable matters.
Acts 2008, No. 363, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:70.2. Creation and purpose

RS 56:70.2 - Creation and purpose
In order to enhance the efforts to promote the wildlife and fisheries laws of the state of Louisiana by providing incentives in the form of monetary rewards for the reporting of information that is essential to and aids in the apprehension and prosecution of law violators, in order to promote public interest and involvement in stopping serious violations of fish and wildlife laws, in order to reduce the number of law violators, and in order to create and maintain a fund for the payment of rewards assisting in law enforcement, the Louisiana Help Our Wildlife Program is hereby created within the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Acts 1995, No. 77, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:70.3. Louisiana Help Our Wildlife Fund; uses of fund

RS 56:70.3 - Louisiana Help Our Wildlife Fund; uses of fund
The Louisiana Help Our Wildlife Fund is hereby abolished in the state treasury. Any monies in the fund shall be transferred to the Conservation Fund.
Acts 1995, No. 77, §1; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 148, §8; Acts 2018, No. 612, §18, eff. July 1, 2020; Acts 2019, No. 404, §1, eff. July 1, 2020.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:70.4. Rewards; payments

RS 56:70.4 - Rewards; payments
A.(1) The secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, or his designee, shall determine which informers are to be granted rewards, specify the amount of each reward, and direct the payment of the rewards from the Conservation Fund.
(2) No reward may be less than two hundred dollars or more than one thousand dollars. No amount in excess of that available in the Conservation Fund shall be payable as a reward under this Subpart.
B. No reward may be granted to a person or an immediate family member of a person who is a peace officer, game warden, prosecutor, employee of the department, or member of the judiciary.
Acts 1995, No. 77, §1; Acts 2018, No. 612, §18, eff. July 1, 2020; Acts 2019, No. 404, §1, eff. July 1, 2020.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:71. Governor authorized to enter into compact with other states relative to better utilization of fisheries

RS 56:71 - Governor authorized to enter into compact with other states relative to better utilization of fisheries
The governor shall execute a compact on behalf of Louisiana with any one or more of the states of Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas, and with such other states as may enter into the compact legally therein in the form substantially as follows in this Part.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:72. Purpose of compact

RS 56:72 - Purpose of compact
The contracting states solemnly agree: Whereas the gulf coast states have the proprietary interest in and jurisdiction over fisheries in the waters within their respective boundaries, it is the purpose of this compact to promote the better utilization of the fisheries--marine, shell, and anadromous of the seaboard of the Gulf of Mexico--by the development of a joint program for the promotion and protection of such fisheries and the prevention of the physical waste of the fisheries from any cause.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:73. Time compact becomes operative; parties to compact

RS 56:73 - Time compact becomes operative; parties to compact
This compact becomes operative immediately upon ratification by any two or more of the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas and when the Congress has given its consent subject to Article I, Section 10, of the Constitution of the United States. Any state contiguous to any of the aforementioned states or riparian upon waters which flow into waters under the jurisdiction of any of the aforementioned states and which are frequented by anadromous fish or marine species may become a party hereto as hereinafter in this Part provided.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:74. Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission; representatives; qualifications

RS 56:74 - Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission; representatives; qualifications
Each state joining herein shall appoint three representatives to a commission hereby constituted and designated as the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. One shall be the head of the administrative agency of such state charged with the conservation of the fishery resources to which this compact pertains or, if there be more than one officer or agency, the official of that state named by the governor thereof. The second shall be a member of the legislature of such state designated by the governor thereof, provided that if it is constitutionally impossible to appoint a legislator as a commissioner from such state, the second member shall be appointed in such manner as may be established by law. The third shall be a citizen who shall have a knowledge of and interest in the marine fisheries, to be appointed by the governor. This commission shall be a body corporate with the powers and duties set forth in this Part.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:75. Powers of commission; legislation

RS 56:75 - Powers of commission; legislation
The commission shall make inquiry and ascertain from time to time such methods, practices, circumstances, and conditions as may be disclosed for bringing about the conservation and the prevention of the depletion and physical waste of the fisheries--marine, shell, anadromous--of the gulf coast. The commission may recommend the coordination of the exercise of the police powers of the several states within their respective jurisdiction to promote the preservation of these fisheries and their protection against overfishing, waste, depletion, or any abuse whatsoever, and to assure a continuing yield from the fishery resources of the aforementioned states. To that end the commission shall draft and recommend to the governors and legislatures of the various signatory states, legislation dealing with the conservation of the marine, shell, and anadromous fisheries of the gulf seaboard. The commission shall from time to time present to the governor of each compacting state its recommendations relating to enactments to be presented to the legislature of that state in furthering the interest and purposes of this compact. The commission shall consult with and advise the pertinent administrative agencies in the states party hereto with regard to problems connected with the fisheries and recommend the adoption of such regulations as it deems advisable. The commission may recommend to the states party hereto the stocking of the waters of the states with fish and fish eggs or joint stocking by some or all of the states party hereto. When two or more states jointly stock waters, the commission shall act as the coordinating agency for the stocking.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:76. Officers; rules and regulations; meetings

RS 56:76 - Officers; rules and regulations; meetings
The commission shall elect from its number a chairman and a vice chairman, shall appoint and, at its pleasure, remove or discharge such officers and employees as may be required to carry the provisions of this compact into effect, and shall fix and determine their duties, qualifications, and compensation. The commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of its business. It may establish and maintain one or more offices for the transaction of its business and may meet at any time or place. It shall meet at least once a year.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:77. Action taken by commission; requirements

RS 56:77 - Action taken by commission; requirements
No action shall be taken by the commission in regard to its general affairs except by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole number of compacting states. No recommendation shall be made by the commission in regard to any species of fish except by the affirmative vote of a majority of the compacting states which have an interest in such species. The commission shall define what shall be an interest.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:78. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be primary research agency; advisory committee

RS 56:78 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be primary research agency; advisory committee
The Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior of the Government of the United States shall act as the primary research agency of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, cooperating with the research agencies in each state for that purpose. Representatives of the Fish and Wildlife Service shall attend the meetings of the commission. An advisory committee to be representative of the commercial saltwater fishermen, the saltwater anglers, and such other interests of each state as the commissioners deem advisable may be established by the commissioners from each state for the purpose of advising those commissioners upon such recommendations as it desires to make.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:79. Participation of non-coastal state; limitation

RS 56:79 - Participation of non-coastal state; limitation
When any state other than those named specifically in R.S. 56:73 becomes a party hereto for the purpose of conserving its anadromous fish or marine species in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 56:73, the participation of the state in the action of the commission shall be limited to such species of fish.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:80. Signatory states not precluded from additional restrictions

RS 56:80 - Signatory states not precluded from additional restrictions
Nothing in this compact limits the powers or the proprietary interest of any signatory state or repeals or prevents the enactment of any legislation or the enforcement of any requirement by a signatory state imposing additional conditions and restrictions to conserve its fisheries.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:81. Additional compact amendments by signatory states

RS 56:81 - Additional compact amendments by signatory states
It is agreed that any two or more states party hereto may further amend this compact by acts of their respective legislatures, subject to approval of Congress as provided in Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution of the United States, to designate the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission as a joint regulating authority for the joint regulation of specific fisheries affecting only such states as shall so compact, and at their joint expense. The representatives of such states shall constitute a separate section of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission for the exercise of the additional powers so granted, but the creation of such section does not deprive the state so compacting of any of their privileges or powers in the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission as constituted under the other articles of this compact.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:83. Operating expenses; proration

RS 56:83 - Operating expenses; proration
The operating expenses of the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission shall be borne by the states party hereto. Such initial appropriations as are set forth below shall be made available yearly until modified as hereinafter provided:
Florida
$ 3,500.00
Alabama
1,000.00
Mississippi
1,000.00
Louisiana
5,000.00
Texas
2,500.00
Total
$ 13,000.00
The proration and total cost per year of thirteen thousand dollars, above mentioned, is estimate only, for initial operations, and may be changed when found necessary by the commission and approved by the legislatures of the respective states. Each state party hereto agrees to provide, in the manner most acceptable to it, the travel costs and necessary expenses of its commissioners and other representatives to and from meetings of the commission or its duly constituted section or committees.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:84. Continuance of compact; renunciation; notice

RS 56:84 - Continuance of compact; renunciation; notice
This compact continues in force and remains binding upon each compacting state until renounced by act of the legislature of such state, in such form as it may choose. Renunciation shall not become effective until six months after the effective date of the action taken by the legislature. Notice of renunciation shall be given to the other states party hereto by the secretary of state of the compacting state so renouncing upon passage of the act.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:85. Commission representatives from Louisiana; appointment; alternates

RS 56:85 - Commission representatives from Louisiana; appointment; alternates
In pursuance of R.S. 56:74, there shall be three representatives from Louisiana to the commission. The Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries shall be an ex officio representative; a member of the state legislature from a coastal parish, named by the governor for a four year period from the date of his election or until his successor has been elected shall be the second representative; the third representative shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall be a citizen of Louisiana having a knowledge of and interest in marine fisheries. The term of the third representative is for a period of four years. He shall hold office until his successor shall be appointed and qualified.
The Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries, as ex officio representative, may delegate, from time to time, to any deputy or other subordinate in his department or office, the power to be present and participate, including voting as his representative or substitute at any meeting or hearing by or other proceeding of the commission.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:86. Commission powers to be no limitation on state powers

RS 56:86 - Commission powers to be no limitation on state powers
Any powers granted in this Part to the commission shall be regarded as in aid of and supplemental to and in no case a limitation upon any of the powers vested in the commission by other laws of the state of Louisiana, by the laws of the states of Florida, Texas, Mississippi, or Alabama, by the Congress of the United States or by the terms of the compact.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:87. Necessary travel expenses; payment

RS 56:87 - Necessary travel expenses; payment
All necessary expenses incident to the membership of Louisiana in the commission are payable out of the general fund by the treasurer of this state. Such expenses shall include travel cost and necessary expenses of the commissioners and other representatives of Louisiana to and from meetings of the commission or its duly constituted sections or committees.
Acts 1981, No. 837, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:102. Hunting guide license; fees; penalties

RS 56:102 - Hunting guide license; fees; penalties
A. No person shall act as nor represent himself to be a hunting guide unless that person possesses a valid hunting guide license, proof of liability insurance, and a valid state recreational hunting license that grants hunting privileges appropriate for his client's guided hunting activity. In addition, any person acting as a hunting guide who is in charge of the operation of a vessel shall have a valid captain's license issued by the United States Coast Guard.
B.(1) The annual fee for a resident hunting guide license is one hundred fifty dollars.
(2) The annual fee for a nonresident hunting guide license is six hundred dollars.
C. A hunting guide license is valid for one year, beginning on July first of each calendar year and expiring on June thirtieth of the following calendar year.
D. A hunting guide license may be purchased at any time of the year for the current license year and from June first for the immediately following license year.
E. A hunting guide license shall be issued by the department during normal working hours and may be purchased in person at the Baton Rouge office, or at any other location designated by the department.
F. The fees derived pursuant to this Section shall be placed in the Conservation Fund.
G. A violation of any provision of this Section shall constitute a class four violation under the provisions of R.S. 56:34.
Acts 2021, No. 356, §2, eff. Nov. 15, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:103. License required

RS 56:103 - License required
A. No person shall at any time hunt, take, possess, or cause to be transported by any other person any wild bird or any wild quadruped unless he is at the time of such act the lawful holder of a valid license for that purpose issued to him by authority of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission.
B. Basic hunting licenses which do not authorize deer, turkey, bobcat, or migratory waterfowl hunting may be issued beginning June first of each calendar year and shall expire on the following June thirtieth.
C.(1) In order to hunt, take, possess, or transport deer or turkey, in Louisiana, in addition to a basic hunting license, a person shall be required to purchase and have on his person either a deer license or a turkey license, whichever is the appropriate license. In order to hunt, take, possess, or transport waterfowl in Louisiana, in addition to a basic hunting license, a resident shall be required to purchase and have on his person a waterfowl license.
(2) In addition to all other licenses required by law, a special primitive firearms license may be authorized to take deer during the special deer hunting season for primitive firearms. A fee may be charged for the issuance of such license as provided in R.S. 56:104(A)(3), and the fees therefrom shall be dedicated to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to be used for the development and study of the deer herds within the state after costs for the administration of the licensing program have been deducted.
D. Repealed by Acts 2000, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 1, §4, eff. June 26, 2000.
E., F. Repealed by Acts 2021, No. 356, §6, eff. June 1, 2022.
Added by Acts 1981, No. 736, §1. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 420, §1, eff. July 1, 1983; Acts 1989, No. 240, §1, eff. June 26, 1989; Acts 1993, No. 73, §1, eff. July 1, 1993; Acts 1997, No. 1234, §1, eff. July 1, 1998; Acts 1998, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 164, §2, eff. Sept. 21, 1998; Acts 2000, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 1, §§3, 4, eff. June 26, 2000; Acts 2003, No. 1248, §1; Acts 2006, No. 283, §1; Acts 2008, No. 51, §1, eff. June 5, 2008; Acts 2010, No. 100, §1; Acts 2021, No. 356, §§3, 6, eff. June 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 56 - Wildlife and Fisheries › §56:104.1. Hunting permits for persons with physical disabilities

RS 56:104.1 - Hunting permits for persons with physical disabilities
A. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission is hereby authorized to adopt rules and regulations for the creation and issuance of hunting permits for individuals with temporary or permanent disabilities. A temporary disability is one of such severity that it shall last for a duration of at least one year. The rules and regulations shall provide for the duration and costs of the permits and provide for disability classifications of "wheelchair user", "mobility impairment" as defined in R.S. 47:463.4(E), and "amputee of an upper extremity". Such permits may be issued only to those persons certified by a physician licensed to practice medicine by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. If the physician certifies that the disability is temporary, the person holding the permit shall be required to recertify to the department each year that such certification is still valid. The commission rules and regulations shall provide for special hunts for persons with disabilities, special deer seasons, and access to wildlife management areas.
B. During the formulation of the rules and regulations provided for in this Section, the commission shall request and receive advice and information from Louisiana Outdoorsmen With Disabilities, Inc.
Acts 1995, No. 1226, §1, eff. June 29, 1995; Acts 1997, No. 396, §1, eff. June 20, 1997; Acts 2006, No. 775, §1; Acts 2008, No. 51, §1, eff. June 5, 2008; Acts 2014, No. 811, §29, eff. June 23, 2014.