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HB 1171

WILDLIFE/MGT AREAS: Authorizes the use of airboats in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Mack

Authorizes airboat use in Maurepas Swamp WMA, enabling designated travel for managers, visitors, and researchers while applying existing safety and regulatory rules.

Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
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Bill Summary · HB 1171

Summary of HB 1171 (2026) — Louisiana

Title

WILDLIFE/MGT AREAS: Authorizes the use of airboats in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area

Purpose and Intent

HB 1171 authorizes the use of airboats within designated portions of the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The bill aims to expand or specify permissible modes of travel for managers, visitors, and other users within the Maurepas Swamp WMA, enhancing access and potentially enabling more efficient wildlife management and recreational use, while maintaining the goals of conservation and safe navigation in the area.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Authorization of Airboats: The bill explicitly permits the operation of airboats in the Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area.
  • Scope of Authorization: The authorization applies to the Maurepas Swamp WMA, with potential emphasis on areas where airboats can be safely and effectively operated without compromising habitat or safety.
  • Regulatory Context: The bill implies that existing rules governing vehicle and vessel use within WMAs (such as speed limits, safety equipment requirements, and restricted zones) would apply to airboat operation, and may be complemented by department regulations or enforcement guidance.
  • Management and Enforcement: While not detailing enforcement mechanics, the bill likely envisions coordination with state wildlife and environmental agencies to regulate airboat use, ensure safety, and protect wildlife resources.

Note: The text provided does not include explicit restrictions, speed limits, hours of operation, vessel size/type limits, or permit requirements. If enacted, those details would typically be addressed in departmental rules or in the bill’s amendments to the relevant Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission provisions.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Users of Maurepas Swamp WMA: Birdwatchers, boaters, hunters, wildlife researchers, guides, and other visitors who rely on airboats for access or management operations would be directly affected.
  • Maurepas Swamp WMA Management: State wildlife and natural resources agencies would implement and enforce the new authorization, potentially updating rules, safety standards, and signage.
  • Wildlife and Habitat: The bill’s impact on habitat and wildlife would depend on how airboat use is regulated (e.g., avoidance of sensitive nesting or feeding areas, noise considerations, impervious effects on vegetation). Sensible safeguards would be expected to accompany the authorization.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee Action: Reported favorably by a vote of 13-2 (April 28, 2026), indicating broad support in the committee of jurisdiction.
  • Floor Consideration: Scheduled for floor debate on May 5, 2026 (as of the action history).
  • Legislative Status: Read by title and lies over under the rules as of March 31, 2026, indicating prep for floor debate with potential amendments.

Sponsor Information

  • Co-sponsor: Shane Mack

Practical Implications for Stakeholders

  • Before passage, expect potential amendments addressing safety, environmental protections, vessel specifications (airboat types), permissible speeds, time-of-day operations, and prohibited zones to minimize disturbance to wildlife and habitat.
  • If enacted, monitoring and enforcement will be important to ensure safe and responsible airboat use within the Maurepas Swamp WMA.

This summary provides an overview based on the bill’s title and action history. For a complete understanding, the full text of HB 1171 and any fiscal notes, committee reports, or proposed amendments should be reviewed.

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

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