LouisianaFreshwater charter fishing guides would need federal captain licenses
The enrolled measure would require covered freshwater fishing guides to hold a Coast Guard captain's license while operating on certain Louisiana waters.
What it does
Freshwater charter fishing guides operating on Louisiana waters of the United States would need a valid Coast Guard captain's license, along with state licenses and commercial insurance.
Nonresident saltwater charter guide licenses would be limited to applicants with valid Coast Guard captain's licenses and would be available only through the department's Baton Rouge office.
Argument forA federal captain-license requirement could help ensure that guides operating vessels on covered Louisiana waters meet a common safety credential.
Argument againstGuides who lack the federal credential could be unable to operate or obtain covered licenses, adding a qualification that may limit available guides.
More detail
A freshwater charter boat fishing guide would have to possess a valid United States Coast Guard captain's license. This applies to a freshwater charter boat fishing guide operating on waters of the United States located in Louisiana. The guide must also meet the listed state licensing, insurance, and recreational fishing license requirements. The guide in charge of operating a vessel must keep the required licenses and insurance proof on the person while on the water. The supplied text does not state when this requirement would begin or end.
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would make nonresident saltwater charter guide licenses available only to people with a valid Coast Guard captain's license. This applies to nonresident saltwater charter boat fishing guide license applicants. The license would be available only through the department's Baton Rouge office. Licenses would be issued on consignment, with no agent fees. The supplied text does not state when this licensing rule would begin or end.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 23Becomes Act No. 937 without the Governor's signature.Latest
- Jun 23Effective date: 08/01/2026.
- May 29Sent to the Governor for executive approval.To Governor
- May 28Received from the Senate without amendments.Minor
- May 28Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.Minor
- May 28Signed by the President of the Senate.
- May 27Read by title, passed by a vote of 31 yeas and 4 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.Passed Senate
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE (#1459). Result: pass.Upper
- May 26Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage.Minor
- May 25Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.
- May 21Rules suspended. Reported favorably.Minor
- May 4Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.Minor
- Apr 29Received in the Senate. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.Minor
- Apr 28Called from the calendar.
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE (#795). Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 28Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 54, nays 41. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.Passed House
- Apr 27Called from the calendar.
- Apr 27Read by title, returned to the calendar.
- Apr 27Notice given.
- Apr 27Scheduled for floor debate on 04/28/2026.
- Apr 22Notice given.
- Apr 22Scheduled for floor debate on 04/27/2026.
- Apr 21Read by title, amended, returned to the calendar.
- Apr 20Scheduled for floor debate on 04/21/2026.
- Apr 15Read by title, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading.Minor
- Apr 14Reported favorably (15-0).Minor
- Apr 1Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.Minor
- Mar 31Read by title. Lies over under the rules.Introduced
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