This bill, introduced by Senator Fesi, amends several sections of Louisiana law to redefine certain terms and update references related to the state's waters and coastal boundaries. Notably, the term "Gulf of Mexico" is replaced with "Gulf of America" in various legal contexts, including the definition of "waters of the state," which now includes all surface and underground waters within Louisiana and extends three miles into the Gulf of America. The bill also clarifies that "waters of the state" does not include waste treatment systems or "fastlands," which are defined as lands surrounded by levees or flood protection structures that do not maintain a continuous surface connection to other waters.

Additionally, the bill enacts new legal language to ensure that all existing statutes and legal documents reflect the change from "Gulf of Mexico" to "Gulf of America." It also provides definitions for "fastlands" and outlines the historic gulfward boundary of Louisiana, which extends three marine leagues into the Gulf of America. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without signature.

Statutes affected:
SB94 Original: 30:2073(7), 49:1(A), 49:23(6)
SB94 Engrossed: 30:2073(7), 49:1(A), 49:23(6)
SB94 Reengrossed: 30:2073(7), 49:1(A), 49:23(6)
SB94 Enrolled: 30:2073(7), 49:1(A), 49:23(6)
SB94 Act : 30:2073(7), 49:1(A), 49:23(6)