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Bill

SCR 29

WATER QUALITY: Creates a joint legislative committee to study and make recommendations relative to the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin.

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

Creates a temporary joint committee to study Atchafalaya Basin water quality, sediment sources/impacts, and recommend actions to reduce sediment and restore ecology.

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate on 6/2/2026.
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Bill Summary · SCR 29

Summary: SCR 29 (Louisiana) – 2026

Water Quality: Creates a joint legislative committee to study and make recommendations relative to the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a temporary joint legislative committee to study the water quality of the Atchafalaya Basin and Floodway System.
  • Focus areas include sediment accumulation, its sources, transport mechanisms, and the resulting impacts on hydrology, water quality, habitat, and fisheries.
  • Aim to develop and recommend strategies to reduce sediment entering the basin and to remove accumulated sediment to restore ecological and hydrological function.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Committee Creation: A joint legislative committee is created to study Atchafalaya Basin water quality, including causes/effects of sediment accumulation and its impact on water flow, habitat, and commercial/recreational fisheries.
  • Composition:
    • Senate districts represented: 17, 21, 22
    • House districts represented: 18, 46, 50, 60, 96
  • Leadership and Meetings:
    • The President of the Senate designates a Senate member to call the first meeting.
    • At the first meeting, the committee elects a chair and other officers.
  • Powers and Procedures:
    • The committee has powers provided by law and legislative rules.
    • Members receive per diem and mileage as per committee rules.
    • Staff support provided by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment.
  • Data and Expert Input:
    • May request data, technical assistance, and recommendations from state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and stakeholders.
    • External entities to be consulted include:
    • Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
    • Department of Conservation and Energy (likely Department of Natural Resources/Conservation agencies)
    • Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
    • Department of Environmental Quality
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (New Orleans District)
    • Commercial and recreational fishing interests
    • Hydrologists and sediment transport experts from Louisiana public universities
    • Landowners and local governments within the basin
  • Reporting Requirements:
    • A written report of findings and recommendations, including proposed legislative or administrative actions, must be submitted to the Legislature and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library no later than April 1, 2027.
    • Supplemental reports may be submitted as needed.
  • Duration and Termination:
    • The joint committee terminates on January 11, 2028.

Who Is Affected

  • Louisiana state legislators serving the specified districts.
  • Agencies involved in water quality, flood management, sediment transport, and environmental regulation (state and federal).
  • Stakeholders in the Atchafalaya Basin including commercial and recreational fisheries, landowners, and local governments.
  • Academic institutions and researchers with expertise in hydrology, sediment transport, and basin management.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • ** bill status:** Introduced; read second time and referred to the Senate Natural Resources committee (as of action history).
  • Key dates:
    • Report due: April 1, 2027
    • Termination: January 11, 2028
  • Reporting deliverable: Written report to the Legislature and the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library, with potential supplemental reports.

Potential Impact

  • Provides a formal, structured process to assess sediment sources, transport, and management options for the Atchafalaya Basin.
  • Could inform future legislative or administrative actions aimed at sediment reduction, restoration of water flow, and ecological/habitat restoration.
  • Encourages collaboration among state agencies, federal partners, academia, and local stakeholders to address water quality and fisheries impacts in a key ecological and economic region of Louisiana.

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

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