WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 721

SEAFOOD: Provides relative to shrimp harvesting

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tehmi Chassion and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana HB 721 regulates shrimp harvesting, potentially changing gear, seasons, limits, licensing, and reporting for commercial and recreational shrimp fishers.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 721

Summary of HB 721 (Session 2026, Louisiana) – SEAFOOD: Provides relative to shrimp harvesting

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and provisions as indicated in its official action history and title. It does not constitute legal advice.

What the bill is about

  • Title indicates the bill governs shrimp harvesting, i.e., seafood management focused on shrimp.
  • Purpose appears to be to provide specific rules or modifications related to the harvesting of shrimp in Louisiana waters. The exact text of provisions is not provided here, but the bill’s focus is shrimp harvest regulation.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by the title and standard legislative framing)

Because the exact text of HB 721 is not included in this brief, the following outlines typical areas such bills address and what to look for in the final language. Readers should consult the enrolled bill for precise statutory changes.

  • Regulation of shrimp harvest methods: possible clarification or modification of gear types, devices, or techniques allowed or prohibited.
  • Harvest season and limits: potential adjustments to open seasons, daily bag limits, size limits, or differential quotas by region.
  • Licensing and permitting: potential requirements for shrimp fishers, including licenses, permit renewals, or reporting obligations.
  • Reporting and compliance: possible mandate for harvest reporting, observer requirements, or inspection provisions.
  • Enforcement and penalties: potential penalties for violations, and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Coordination with other laws: alignment with existing state fisheries regulations, environmental protections, or water quality requirements.

Who is affected

  • Commercial and recreational shrimp fishers in Louisiana coastal waters and tributaries.
  • Shrimp processing and related supply chain entities if the bill alters harvest volumes or reporting requirements.
  • State natural resources agencies responsible for implementing, enforcing, and adapting shrimp harvesting rules.
  • Local communities dependent on shrimp fisheries for economic activity.

Procedural/timeline aspects (based on action history)

  • 2026-02-27: Provisionally referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
  • 2026-03-09: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment (under the rules).
  • 2026-03-26: Read by title, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading.
  • 2026-03-31: Read third time by title, roll called on final passage; yeas 103, nays 0. Final passage, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.
  • 2026-04-01: Read second time by title, referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.

  • 2026-05-04: Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.

  • Status: Passed the House and moved to the Senate as of the latest action; co-sponsors include Tim Kerner and Tehmi Chassion.

Practical considerations for readers

  • The bill appears to be a straightforward adjustment or addition to existing shrimp harvesting regulations in Louisiana. The unanimous final vote (103-0) suggests broad support or consensus among House members at that stage.
  • For stakeholders (licensees, processors, local fishing communities), the definitive impact will depend on the exact text—especially any changes to gear, seasonality, quotas, or reporting requirements.
  • Interested parties should review the enrolled bill text or fiscal notes once available, and monitor Senate action for potential amendments or clarifications.

If you’d like, I can search for the enrolled text or provide a more precise section-by-section summary once the official bill language is published.

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

Sign in to ask a question.