Senate Bill No. 367, introduced by Senator Edmonds, establishes the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund, aimed at supporting the reclamation, restoration, and long-term stewardship of lands and watersheds affected by sand and stone mining operations. The fund will prioritize flood-prone areas and impaired watersheds, utilizing severance tax revenues collected from these mining activities. The bill outlines specific allocations of these revenues, including contributions to the Bond Security and Redemption Fund, the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund, and political subdivisions of the state. After these allocations, any remaining severance tax revenues will be deposited into the newly created fund.

To be eligible for funding, entities must be established under Louisiana law and meet several criteria, including the development of a master plan subject to legislative approval and having statutory authority for floodplain management. The bill also grants the secretary of the Department of Conservation and Environment the authority to administer the fund, make expenditures, and report annually to the legislature on the fund's administration. The proposed law is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.