Senate Bill No. 331, introduced by Senator Owen, amends the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act by enacting R.S. 56:1855(Q). This new provision establishes exceptions to the existing regulations that protect the natural and scenic rivers within the state. Specifically, from August 1, 2026, to August 1, 2033, the bill allows for channelization, clearing and snagging, channel realignment, reservoir construction, and dredging operations for drainage purposes in the West Pearl River, specifically from Lock 1 to the Rigolets.

The bill also stipulates that during this period, no permits will be required for these activities in the specified section of the West Pearl River, thereby overriding the current prohibitions in place under the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act. This legislative change aims to facilitate necessary drainage operations while still acknowledging the importance of protecting the state's water bodies. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026.