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House approves HB173 to let certified park wardens issue litter citations statewide
Summary
The Louisiana House passed HB173 on April 23, 2025, giving certified state park wardens authority to issue citations for litter violations statewide. The measure’s effective date was changed on the floor to the date of the governor’s signature; members discussed POST certification and safety concerns during debate.
Baton Rouge — The Louisiana House on April 23, 2025 passed HB173, a bill that authorizes certified state park wardens to write tickets for litter offenses statewide. The House adopted an amendment setting the bill’s effective date to the date of the governor’s signature.
Representative Malcolm Ilk, sponsor of HB173, said the measure gives a practical enforcement tool to park rangers and other certified wardens to address litter that he described as a persistent blight across the state. During floor questions, Representative Newell asked whether the authority would allow wardens to write litter tickets beyond park boundaries; Ilk answered yes and said the law would be a tool for locations such as highway approaches and dump sites where littering occurs.
Representative Desotel questioned the POST‑certification requirement for anyone issuing litter citations, asking whether the requirement is necessary. Ilk said the POST requirement was discussed in committee and was intended as a safety measure for officers who may encounter combative individuals while enforcing the law. The amendment on the floor shifted the effective date to the date of signature so that agencies can align training and operational details.
Final House roll call recorded 94 yeas and 0 nays. The bill proceeds for enrollment and then to the governor.
