House Bill No. by Representative Marcelle seeks to establish groundwater conservation districts for the Chicot, Southern Hills, and Mississippi Alluvial aquifer systems in Louisiana. The bill introduces Chapter 12 of Title 38 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, which outlines the creation of boards to oversee these districts, detailing their membership, appointment processes, and responsibilities. It emphasizes the need for monitoring and sustainable management of groundwater resources to address issues stemming from unregulated water use. The bill also establishes the Mississippi River Alluvial Groundwater Conservation District as a political subdivision of the state and includes definitions related to groundwater use.

The legislation sets forth the governance structure for the Southern Hills Groundwater Conservation District, which will be managed by a board of commissioners consisting of twenty-four voting members appointed by the governor. This board will include representatives from each parish within the district, as well as members nominated by industrial and agricultural user groups. The bill mandates that the initial members be appointed by October 15, 2026, and outlines the board's authority to conduct studies, hold hearings, and report annually on water usage and quality. Additionally, it specifies procedures for meetings, including rotating locations among the parishes, and clarifies that commissioners will not receive compensation for their services, although they may be reimbursed for travel expenses related to official duties.

Statutes affected:
HB1205 Original: 38:8(D)