Senate Bill No. by Senator Hensgens seeks to amend and reenact various sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning the newly rebranded Department of Conservation and Energy, previously known as the Department of Energy and Natural Resources. The bill introduces technical corrections to the department's structure, updates terminology by replacing "office of conservation" with "department," and outlines the jurisdiction, duties, and powers of the secretary. Notable insertions include new provisions under R.S. 30:84 that grant the secretary expanded powers, such as negotiating contracts for underwater obstruction services and managing a dedicated fund account. The bill also emphasizes the importance of public notice and hearings for certain departmental actions, aiming to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with environmental standards.

Additionally, the bill modifies the certification process for fund balances related to storage operators, requiring the secretary to certify in writing when the fund balance reaches ten million dollars, after which fees will be suspended until the balance drops below eight million dollars. It mandates Senate confirmation for directors appointed by the secretary and repeals outdated references to the "commissioner of conservation," directing the Louisiana State Law Institute to update all related statutes accordingly. The changes, which include the transition from the office of mineral resources to the office of state resources, are designed to streamline operations and enhance the department's authority in managing natural resources and supporting commercial fishermen. The proposed amendments are set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB379 Original: 30:3(7), 30:4(C)(14), 30:5(C)(1), 30:1(A)(1), 30:1(A), 30:23(D)(2), 30:29(A), 30:73(1), 30:74(A)(3), 30:3(B), 30:2(A), 30:149(B), 30:150(B)(4), 30:209(2), 30:2(B), 30:3(A), 30:917(F), 30:1110(C)(1), 36:357(A), 36:358(B), 30:4(O)(3)