House Bill No. by Representative McMakin proposes the establishment of the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund, which aims to support the reclamation, restoration, and long-term stewardship of lands and watersheds affected by sand and gravel mining operations. The fund will prioritize flood-prone areas and impaired watersheds. The bill outlines that the state treasurer will deposit 100% of the recurring severance tax revenues collected on sand and gravel into this fund, after necessary allocations to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the fund's monies will be invested similarly to those in the state general fund, with any interest earned credited back to the fund.

The bill also sets forth criteria for the allocation of funds to statutorily-created watershed-based entities that are responsible for floodplain management and have the authority to create relevant regulations. These entities must be governed by a board that includes representatives from the parishes within the watershed and possess expertise in fields such as engineering and environmental science. Furthermore, an annual report detailing the fund's receipts, expenditures, and activities will be required to be submitted to the relevant legislative committees by March 1 of each year. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.