WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 173

ENVIRONMENT/LITTERING: Provides relative to expanding the jurisdiction of state park wardens to enforce litter laws statewide

2025 Regular Session Introduced by John Illg and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana grants state park wardens statewide authority to enforce litter laws, expanding their jurisdiction beyond parks to combat littering across the entire state.

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 67.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 173

Legislative bill overview

HB 173 expands the enforcement authority of Louisiana state park wardens to enforce litter laws across the entire state, rather than limiting their jurisdiction to state parks and their immediate surroundings. The bill became Act No. 67 and took effect on June 4, 2025, after receiving gubernatorial approval.

Why is this important

This change gives state park wardens statewide litter enforcement powers, potentially increasing environmental compliance monitoring beyond protected park areas. It could improve littering enforcement on public lands and waterways but also expands the scope of state employee responsibilities and enforcement authority across broader geographical areas.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdictional overlap: May create confusion or redundancy with local law enforcement and parish sheriff departments already responsible for litter enforcement in their jurisdictions
  • Resource allocation: State park wardens may lack sufficient personnel and training to enforce litter laws statewide effectively, potentially diverting them from core park protection duties
  • Enforcement equity: Inconsistent enforcement could occur if warden presence varies by region, leading to unequal application of litter laws across the state

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.