Senate Bill No. 493, introduced by Senator Hodges, aims to regulate the operation of air boats in Louisiana by amending existing laws and enacting new provisions. The bill allows parish governing authorities to adopt ordinances for licensing and regulating air boat operations within their boundaries, while also establishing penalties for violations. Notably, the bill includes a provision that prohibits any parish from adopting ordinances that would ban the operation of air boats on public waterways that are open to navigation by motorboats. This ensures that a valid air boat license issued in one parish is recognized in others, provided the licensee complies with local requirements.

Additionally, the bill defines an "air boat" as a motorboat that utilizes an aircraft-style propeller for propulsion. It also clarifies that while local authorities, such as those in Jefferson Parish, can regulate air boat operations, they cannot impose restrictions that would prevent air boats from operating on public waterways accessible to motorboats. The proposed changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2024, and aim to create a consistent regulatory framework for air boat operations across the state.

Statutes affected:
SB493 Original: 33:1236(39), 34:27(B)(9)