Senate Bill No. 244, introduced by Senators Allain and Kleinpeter, aims to establish a framework for recreational hunting of alligators in Louisiana. The bill enacts R.S. 56:256, which allows the Louisiana Wildlife Commission to create a special recreational alligator hunting season that is separate from the existing commercial hunting season. The commission will have the authority to set specific seasons for taking and possessing alligators by area, establish harvest quotas and tag allotments, and modify the season's length as needed. Additionally, the bill outlines residency requirements, methods of taking, and hours during which alligators may be hunted.

The legislation also stipulates that individuals must possess a valid basic hunting license, an alligator hunting license, and recreational harvest tags to legally take alligators. It prohibits hunting outside the designated season, without the necessary licenses or tags, or using illegal methods. Violations of these provisions will be classified as class three violations. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.