Louisiana expands litter law enforcement power for state park wardens

In a significant move to combat littering across Louisiana, the state legislature has approved House Bill 173, which expands the jurisdiction of state park wardens to enforce litter laws statewide. This legislation allows park rangers, who previously could only issue tickets within state parks, to now address littering issues throughout the state, including both intentional and unintentional littering.

The bill, championed by Representative Ilk and supported by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, aims to enhance the state's efforts in maintaining clean roadways, waterways, and farmlands. With the new authority, park rangers can issue tickets for littering offenses, which can be processed through an administrative law judge rather than clogging the criminal justice system. This streamlined approach is designed to ensure that litter violations are addressed efficiently, allowing for quicker enforcement and resolution.

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser highlighted the growing movement against littering in Louisiana, noting that participation in cleanup efforts has surged, with 87 groups participating in recent initiatives across all 64 parishes. He emphasized that the new ticketing powers for park rangers would help tackle persistent littering problems, particularly in areas surrounding state parks.

The bill includes provisions for civil penalties, with fines starting at $150 for littering, or the option to complete community service by picking up litter. The funds collected from these fines will contribute to the state's litter abatement program, which supports local governments in their cleanup efforts.

The legislation received broad support during the meeting, with representatives acknowledging the importance of addressing littering as a community issue. The approval of House Bill 173 marks a proactive step towards fostering a cleaner environment in Louisiana, with expectations that it will lead to a significant reduction in littering incidents statewide.