This bill amends several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the Department of Energy and Natural Resources, introducing new offices and responsibilities to improve the management and enforcement of energy and natural resources. Key insertions include the establishment of the office of enforcement, the office of energy, and the office of land and water, which will manage functions such as energy infrastructure deployment and state water bottom management. The bill also creates the Louisiana Natural Resources Trust Authority to develop strategic plans addressing financial challenges in energy and natural resources projects. Additionally, it allows the secretary of the Department to recommend the continuation or termination of boards and commissions to enhance efficiency through potential consolidation.

Furthermore, the bill establishes deputy secretaries for public safety services and corrections services, both appointed by the secretary and subject to Senate confirmation. The deputy secretary for public safety services will oversee various offices, including state police and code enforcement, while the office of the Louisiana oil spill coordinator has been removed from this oversight. The bill also repeals certain sections of existing law, specifically R.S. 36:408(I) and 409(C)(8), streamlining the department's structure. The effective date of the Act is set for July 1, 2024, unless vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature.

Statutes affected:
HB810 Original: 36:351(B), 36:354(A)(15), 36:356(B), 36:357(B), 36:358(C), 36:359(B)(1), 36:401(C)(1), 36:405(A)(1), 36:408(I), 36:409(C)(8)
HB810 Engrossed: 36:351(B), 36:354(A)(15), 36:356(B), 36:357(B), 36:358(C), 36:359(B)(1), 36:401(C)(1), 36:405(A)(1), 36:408(I), 36:409(C)(8)
HB810 Reengrossed: 36:351(B), 36:354(A)(15), 36:356(B), 36:357(B), 36:358(C), 36:359(B)(1), 36:401(C)(1), 36:405(A)(1), 36:408(I), 36:409(C)(8)
HB810 Enrolled: 36:351(B), 36:354(A)(15), 36:356(B), 36:357(B), 36:358(C), 36:359(B)(1), 36:401(C)(1), 36:405(A)(1), 36:408(I), 36:409(C)(8)
HB810 Act 727: 36:351(B), 36:354(A)(15), 36:356(B), 36:357(B), 36:358(C), 36:359(B)(1), 36:401(C)(1), 36:405(A)(1), 36:408(I), 36:409(C)(8)