Committee clears bill to let state park wardens issue litter tickets statewide

The Committee on Natural Resources on May 14, 2025, reported House Bill 173 favorably, a proposal to expand ticket-writing authority for state park wardens so they may issue litter citations statewide.

Representative Vilg (bill sponsor) told the committee the measure was intended to help address litter where local law enforcement may be overstretched and to allow park rangers to issue tickets for simple littering, including materials thrown from vehicles.

The lieutenant governor, speaking in support, said his office now houses the Keep Louisiana Beautiful program and has increased volunteer cleanups and education. He told the committee the program handled more than a thousand cleanup groups this year and plans to grow that to about 1,500 next year. He said the program will pair enforcement authority with education, more cameras in high-litter areas and partnerships with Wildlife and Fisheries and local law enforcement.

Senators and representatives pressed for operational details. A committee member clarified that the wardens would not typically be performing traffic stops to enforce litter citations; the lieutenant governor said wardens would be dispatched in response to complaints or to known dump sites and would be able to issue tickets when appropriate. The committee also discussed the disposition of fine revenue; the lieutenant governor said fines would be deposited into the conservation fund and the litter abatement account.

Committee members asked about penalties and enforcement mechanics. The transcript records the first-offense penalty as $150 or eight hours of litter-abatement work, with a hearing process available. The lieutenant governor said the office is deploying cameras and working with local partners to catch repeat offenders.

Representative Hill moved to report HB 173 favorably; the committee recorded no objections and reported the bill favorably.