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Committee removes deadline for Amite River Basin commission to adopt watershed rules
Summary
The committee reported House Bill 165 favorably; the measure removes a January 1, 2026 deadline for the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District to promulgate watershed management regulations, giving the commission more time to complete required plans.
House Bill 165 by Rep. Edmondson was reported favorably by the Senate Committee on Natural Resources. The bill removes the statutory deadline of Jan. 1, 2026, for the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District to promulgate watershed management rules; it preserves the requirement to adopt rules but provides more time.
Rep. Edmondson described the bill as a simple change that “removes the 01/01/2026 deadline” and said the new commission leadership needs additional time to complete both annual and master plans required by statute. Paul Sawyer, executive director of the Amite River Basin Commission, introduced himself and reiterated that the commission needs more time as a new agency and that staff are being organized.
Sen. Lambert said he supported the measure and thanked the sponsor. The committee moved to report HB 165 favorably with no objections.
Next steps: HB 165 was reported favorably and will move forward in the legislative process. The bill maintains the substantive rulemaking requirement while removing the specific deadline that the commission said it cannot meet given current staffing and plan obligations.
