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 encompasses both surface and underground waters within Louisiana and extends three miles into the Gulf of America. The bill also clarifies that "waters of the state" do not include waste treatment systems or "fastlands," which are defined as lands surrounded by levees or flood protection structures that prevent a continuous surface connection to other waters.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Louisiana Law Institute to update all references to the "Gulf of Mexico" throughout the Louisiana Revised Statutes to reflect this change. The effective date of the bill is contingent upon the governor's signature or the expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature. Overall, the legislation aims to modernize the state's legal framework regarding its waters and coastal management while ensuring clarity in definitions and legal references.

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)