WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 662

WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides with respect to seizure of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife legally possessed

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brett Geymann and 1 co-sponsor

Requires district court warrants and expedited hearings before seizing or euthanizing sick/injured/orphaned wildlife, tying euthanization to immediate public safety with court orde

Becomes HB 1258.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 662

Summary of Louisiana HB 662 (2026 Regular Session)

Purpose and intent

HB 662 aims to tighten the seizure and handling rules for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife that are in the possession of individuals, particularly when such wildlife is part of rehabilitation or rescue efforts. The bill emphasizes due process by requiring a court-issued warrant and a contradictory (contested) hearing before seizure or euthanization, with provisions to protect individuals who surrender wildlife under certain conditions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Seizure authority adjustments (R.S. 56:56)

    • The law would permit seizure of:
    • Dead animals or parts possessed contrary to wildlife laws (existing rule remains).
    • The bill would restrict seizure of live wildlife (specifically orphaned, sick, or injured) that are legally in possession under a permit or license, by requiring explicit authorization via warrant from a district court.

  • Surrender of legally possessible wildlife (R.S. 56:56)

    • If an animal is illegal to possess or requires a departmental permit, individuals may voluntarily surrender the animal to LDWF without penalty, provided surrender is initiated before any public employee investigation/contact.
    • A surrendering party is immune from prosecution for illegal possession if they meet the above condition.

  • Disposition of surrendered wildlife (R.S. 56:56)

    • The department may dispose of surrendered animals as it sees fit, subject to exceptions in R.S. 56:126.1.

  • Wildlife Rehabilitation Program; retroactivity (R.S. 56:126(G))

    • Provisions related to rehabilitation apply with retroactive effect, covering animals possessed by any person regardless of when possession began.

  • New provisions: Seizure and hearing for sick/injured/orphaned wildlife (R.S. 56:126.1)

    • No LDWF employee or agent may seize sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife without a district court-issued warrant from the parish where the possessor resides.
    • Euthanization requires a contradictory hearing and a court order stating the animal poses an immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare, and authorizing humane euthanasia.
    • A person in possession of such wildlife, who has had it seized, may file a petition in the district court requesting a hearing to determine whether humane euthanization is appropriate, without paying costs.
    • If a hearing occurs and the animal is not deemed an immediate danger, the court must order compliance with possession conditions under R.S. 56:126(B) and return the animal to the possessor.
    • If the animal is deemed an immediate danger, the court must issue an order directing humane euthanization.

  • Procedural framework (R.S. 56:126.1)

    • The types of pleadings, practice, and procedure remain aligned with the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure and district courts’ rules.

Affected parties and implications

  • Individuals possessing wildlife: Court involvement is required before seizure of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Possessors may seek a hearing to contest euthanization decisions.
  • Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF): Must obtain warrants for seizing the specified wildlife and must observe the new hearing requirements before euthanizing animals.
  • Wildlife rehabilitation programs: Provisions for rehabilitation remain intact, with added retroactive application to animals previously in possession.
  • Public safety and welfare considerations: The bill ties euthanization to a demonstrated immediate danger to public health, safety, and welfare, subject to a court order and hearing.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Seizure of sick/injured/orphaned wildlife requires a district court warrant issued for the parish of residence.
  • If seizure occurs, a hearing must be held promptly after a petition is filed, with the judge set to hear within five days of rule issuance, and proceedings continue daily until adjudicated.
  • Euthanization can only occur if a contradictory hearing determines immediate danger, culminating in a court order authorizing humane euthanization.
  • The bill provides for retroactive application to wildlife already in possession, expanding or clarifying protections and processes for existing rehab cases.

Summary

HB 662 strengthens due-process protections around the seizure and euthanization of sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife in Louisiana. It requires warrants for seizures, mandates expedited contradictory hearings, and conditions euthanization on a court order tied to an immediate public safety determination. The bill preserves and clarifies rehabilitation provisions and extends their retroactive application.

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

Sign in to ask a question.