House Bill No. [insert number] enacts R.S. 3:4278.6, which establishes new requirements for timber harvesting operations in Louisiana. The bill mandates that any individual or entity intending to cut five acres or more of timberland must enter into a written contract or agreement with the owner, purchaser, or their representatives. Additionally, the commissioner of agriculture and forestry is tasked with adopting rules and regulations to implement these provisions, ensuring compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

The bill also grants the commissioner the authority to impose civil penalties for non-compliance, with fines not exceeding five thousand dollars for each violation. Each day a violation occurs is treated as a separate offense, and penalties can only be assessed following an adjudicatory hearing conducted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act. This legislation aims to enhance accountability and regulation within the timber harvesting industry in Louisiana.