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Bill would require reasonable suspicion for Wildlife and Fisheries vessel stops; committee moves measure
Summary
Representative Fontenot said HB 7 56 will align wildlife vessel stops with Fourth Amendment standards by requiring reasonable suspicion before a stop; the agency supports the change and committee reported the bill favorable.
House Bill 7 56, presented by Representative Fontenot, would limit Wildlife and Fisheries officers’ authority to stop vessels by adding a "reasonable suspicion" standard similar to other law enforcement stops. Fontenot said the change responds to complaints of repeated pretextual stops for recreational boaters.
Cole Garrett and Captain Russo from Wildlife and Fisheries said the department worked with the sponsor and supports bringing its practices in line with federal and state law enforcement standards. The department also proposed related rule changes to align personal watercraft definitions and "rules of the road" wording with federal guidance, and noted reporting requirements apply only in limited areas such as the Causeway Bridge/Lake Pontchartrain area.
Members asked whether inflatable personal flotation devices would remain permitted on other vessels; staff said inflatable PFDs remain legal for most vessels but typically lack Coast Guard approval for personal watercraft operations. After discussion the committee reported the bill favorable by voice vote.
