House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to regulate the commercial taking of menhaden, a type of fish, by enacting a new provision under R.S. 56:320(J). The bill prohibits any person from knowingly and intentionally authorizing, directing, or having control or ownership of an agent or vessel involved in the commercial taking of menhaden within designated areas set by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The bill establishes strict liability for violations, meaning that individuals can be held accountable regardless of intent.

The penalties for violating this prohibition are tiered based on the number of offenses. A first violation incurs a fine of $50,000, while a second violation results in a $75,000 fine and a temporary revocation of the violator's commercial fishing license for up to 30 days. A third violation leads to a $100,000 fine and a license revocation for up to 365 days, and a fourth or subsequent violation results in a $250,000 fine and permanent revocation of the commercial fishing license. The bill also provides a definition of "person" to encompass various types of entities involved in fishing activities.