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HB 652

WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides for the membership of the the Oyster Task Force

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jacob Braud

HB 652 adds one nonvoting member appointed by the Agriculture and Forestry Department to the Oyster Task Force and allows DAF to receive its recommendations.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 652

Summary of HB 652 (2026) – Louisiana Oyster Task Force Membership

Purpose and intent

  • HB 652 amends the composition of the Oyster Task Force in Louisiana.
  • The bill adds one new member to the task force, appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry (DAF).
  • It designates the additional member as a nonvoting member.
  • It also expands the set of state entities eligible to receive recommendations from the Oyster Task Force to include the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends and reenacts provisions related to the Oyster Task Force, specifically R.S. 56:421(B)(5) through (15), (C), and (E)(4), while adding new subsection R.S. 56:421(B)(16).
  • New addition:
    • Subsection B(16): One member appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry.
    • This newly added member is explicitly nonvoting.
  • Existing structure (summary of current composition after amendment):
    • The Task Force comprises representatives from a variety of industry and government groups, including:
    • One member appointed by the commissioner of the DAF (now appears as the new B(16) replacement/addition).
    • Four members appointed by the Louisiana Oyster Dealers and Growers Association (with at-large and parish-based selections).
    • Two members appointed by the Plaquemines Oyster Association.
    • One member appointed by the Terrebonne Oyster Association.
    • One member appointed by the Cameron Parish police jury (with oyster harvester or licensed seafood dealer qualifications related to Calcasieu Lake).
    • One member appointed by the Southwest Pass Oyster Leaseholder Association.
    • Two members appointed by the United Commercial Fisherman's Association.
    • One member appointed by the Delta Commercial Fisherman's organization.
    • One member who has voting authority and is an oyster grower (appointed by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation).
    • One member appointed by the Louisiana Oyster Aquaculture Association.
    • One member appointed by the executive director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
    • One member appointed by the Louisiana Oystermen Association.
  • Nonvoting status:
    • Members listed in the subsections (B)(1)-(4)(5) and (14)(16) remain nonvoting, but for purposes of quorum and presence, they are counted as members of the task force.
  • Roles and responsibilities (existing authority retained and clarified):
    • The Task Force is empowered to make recommendations on issues pertaining to the oyster industry and oyster production to various state agencies and bodies, including:
    • Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
    • Department of Agriculture and Forestry
    • Department of Conservation and Energy
    • Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Board
    • Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
    • Louisiana Department of Health
    • Governor’s executive assistant for coastal activities
    • The Legislature

Who is affected

  • Oyster industry stakeholders and related associations (e.g., oyster dealers, growers, leaseholders, and commercial fishermen) who participate as task force members.
  • The Department of Agriculture and Forestry (DAF) as both a recipient of task force recommendations and now a appointing authority for one nonvoting member.
  • State agencies and authorities that rely on task force recommendations for policy and program guidance related to oysters, including the CPRA and health departments, among others.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill was reported favorably by the House and sent to the Senate; actions noted:
    • First appeared in the Interim Calendar in February 2026.
    • Reported favorably from committee with a 16-0-1 vote (House).
    • Senate action includes suspension of Rules and readied for floor consideration in March 2026.
  • Effective date: Not specified in the text provided. As a typical amendment to a statutory body, it would take effect upon enactment or a specified effective date in the final bill (not shown here).

Bottom line

HB 652 adds one additional, nonvoting member to the Oyster Task Force appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and formally designates DAF as a recipient of task force recommendations. The change aims to broaden DAf’s involvement and formalize its role in oyster industry guidance while preserving the existing balance of stakeholder representation on the task force.

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

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