This amendment updates a bill to require freshwater charter boat fishing guides in Louisiana to have specific licenses and insurance, while adding rules for those operating on U.S. waters.
Louisiana2026Enacted
HB1189
New Rules for Charter Boat Fishing Guides
Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 3:26 AM
In one sentence
This Louisiana law requires freshwater charter boat fishing guides operating on U.S. waters in the state to hold a United States Coast Guard captain's license.
What it does
- Requires freshwater charter boat fishing guides to have a valid state guide license, proof of commercial marine insurance, and a valid recreational fishing license appropriate for their activity.
- Mandates that any person in charge of operating a vessel as a freshwater guide must carry their licenses and proof of insurance while on the water.
- Requires freshwater charter boat fishing guides to possess a United States Coast Guard captain's license if they operate on waters of the United States located in Louisiana.
- Limits nonresident saltwater charter boat fishing guide licenses only to people who hold a valid U.S. Coast Guard captain's license.
Who it affects
- Freshwater charter boat fishing guides operating in Louisiana
- Nonresident applicants seeking saltwater charter boat fishing guide licenses
Limits and unknowns
- The law takes effect on August 1, 2026.
- It is not a violation to represent oneself as a guide if they held a valid license during the previous thirty days but have not yet renewed it.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Charter boat fishing guide license
- A state permit required for a person to act as or represent themselves as a freshwater charter boat fishing guide.
- United States Coast Guard captain's license
- A federal credential issued by the U.S. government that is now required for certain guides operating on waters of the United States in Louisiana.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
WILDLIFE & FISHERIES: Provides for charter boat fishing guide licenses
Official activity
Bill history
- Effective date: 08/01/2026.H
- Becomes Act No. 937 without the Governor's signature.H
- Sent to the Governor for executive approval.H
- Signed by the President of the Senate.S
- Enrolled and signed by the Speaker of the House.H
- Received from the Senate without amendments.H
- Read by title, passed by a vote of 31 yeas and 4 nays, and ordered returned to the House. Motion to reconsider tabled.S
- Reported without Legislative Bureau amendments. Read by title and passed to third reading and final passage.S
- Read by title and referred to the Legislative Bureau.S
- Rules suspended. Reported favorably.S
- Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.S
- Received in the Senate. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.S
- Read third time by title, amended, roll called on final passage, yeas 54, nays 41. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.H
- Called from the calendar.H
- Scheduled for floor debate on 04/28/2026.H
- Notice given.H
- Read by title, returned to the calendar.H
- Called from the calendar.H
- Scheduled for floor debate on 04/27/2026.H
- Notice given.H
Changes
Amendments
2 stored
This amendment changes the bill's language about insurance requirements for charter boat fishing guides by replacing the word 'liability' with 'commercial marine'.