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HB 1189

WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides for charter boat fishing guide licenses

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marcus Bryant

Freshwater charter boat guides must hold a USCG captain’s license, state guide license, liability insurance, and appropriate fishing license to operate.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 1189

Summary of HB 1189 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose

This bill adds a new licensing requirement for freshwater charter boat fishing guides in Louisiana. Specifically, it requires freshwater charter boat fishing guides to hold a United States Coast Guard (USCG) captain’s license in addition to existing state protections.

Key Provisions

  • New licensing requirement for freshwater guides: A freshwater charter boat fishing guide must have:
    • A valid state charter boat fishing guide license
    • A valid USCG captain’s license
    • Proof of liability insurance
    • A valid state recreational fishing license appropriate for the charter activity
  • On-water display of licenses: For freshwater charter boat fishing guides who operate and are in charge of a vessel, the required licenses and liability insurance must be on the person while on the water.
  • Temporary licensure exception retained: If a person held a valid license within the previous 30 days but has not renewed it, they may still represent themselves as a charter boat fishing guide, but the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (DWF) must notify the license holder that they may be subject to other legal requirements (including holding a USCG captain’s license). This notification requirement is removed in the proposed law.

  • Nonresident licenses (conformance): Nonresident freshwater charter boat fishing guide licenses continue to be available only through the Baton Rouge office of the DWF, issued on a consignment basis with no agent fees, and only to those who hold a valid USCG captain’s license.

    • Also retained: Nonresident saltwater charter boat fishing guides must possess a valid USCG captain’s license.

Affected Parties

  • Freshwater charter boat fishing guides: Primary new obligations include obtaining and maintaining a USCG captain’s license in addition to the existing state license, insurance, and state recreational fishing license.
  • DWF (Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries): Previously responsible for notifying guides about other potential legal requirements; the bill removes that notification duty.
  • Nonresident guides: Nonresidents seeking freshwater charter boat licenses would continue to obtain licenses from the Baton Rouge office on a consignment basis and must hold a USCG captain’s license; nonresident saltwater guides continue to require a USCG captain’s license.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill amends and reenacts R.S. 56:302.9(A)(1)(b) and (3).
  • Effective date: Not specified in the provided text; typically, Louisiana enacted laws specify an effective date (often 90 days after enactment or a later date). If not stated, it may follow standard statutory practice or future rulemaking.
  • Status: Reported favorably by committee (15-0) as of April 14, 2026; action history shows passage through the legislative process with sponsor Rep. Bryant and co-sponsor Rep. Marcus Bryant.

Impact Overview

  • Enhances public safety and professional accountability by tying freshwater guide activities to credentialed USCG licensing.
  • Increases licensing prerequisites for freshwater guides, potentially affecting the cost and training requirements for those pursuing freshwater charter operations.
  • Removes a past DWF notification requirement, shifting the emphasis toward prescriptive licensure and compliance.

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

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