This bill amends existing laws regarding charter boat fishing guides in Louisiana by introducing new requirements for commercial marine insurance and updating penalties for violations. Specifically, it mandates that all charter boat fishing guides must possess valid commercial marine insurance instead of liability insurance, ensuring better protection for the public. The bill also outlines that the required insurance must be provided by a company with at least an A- rating, and it specifies that guides must carry proof of this insurance while operating their vessels.

Additionally, the bill modifies the composition of the Louisiana Finfish Task Force by adding two new members: one appointed by the governor from nominees submitted by the Louisiana Charter Boat Association and another from nominees submitted by the Women's Southern Fisheries Alliance. The penalties for violations have been revised to include a minimum fine of $1,000 for first offenses, with stricter conditions for subsequent offenses, including mandatory use of a vessel monitoring system for repeat offenders.

Statutes affected:
HB661 Original: 56:9(A)(1)
HB661 Engrossed: 56:9(A)(1)
HB661 Enrolled: 56:9(A)(1)
HB661 Act : 56:9(A)(1)